New coalition forms to expand state’s digital infrastructure through data centers
A new coalition, "Growing Iowa's Economy," has launched to advocate for policies supporting data center development across Iowa. The group aims to expand the state's digital infrastructure, promote responsible data center growth, and inform policymakers. Members include trade unions, economic alliances, and utility companies like Alliant Energy, highlighting benefits such as property tax revenue, job creation, and energy grid investments.
Growing Iowa's Economy, a newly formed coalition, has launched with the mission to expand Iowa's digital infrastructure by promoting the responsible development of new data centers and advocating for supportive policies statewide. Jesse Harris, a partner at LS2 Group, noted that data centers are a growing topic of discussion for policymakers at city, county, and state levels across Iowa, and the coalition aims to provide balanced perspectives and accurate information.
The coalition, which includes approximately 40 members such as local trade and laborer unions, the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, and Alliant Energy, emphasizes the economic advantages data centers bring. These benefits include property tax revenue, significant job creation, particularly in construction, and investments in the state's energy grid.
May Farlinger, President of Alliant Energy’s Iowa energy company, stated that data centers, while large energy users, drive the addition of resources and infrastructure to the energy grid, which ultimately benefits all customers through enhanced reliability and rate stability. John Hall, President and CEO of the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, expressed excitement for future data center projects in his community, anticipating substantial job creation and property tax development, building on the ripple effects already seen from nearby data center developments, such as a 6% increase in the city's hotel-motel tax. A Microsoft data center under construction in West Des Moines is cited as an example of ongoing development.