Iowa’s opportunities to expand digital infrastructure
The Technology Association of Iowa’s digital infrastructure summit highlighted the economic benefits and community challenges associated with data center growth across the state. Speakers urged Iowa communities to coordinate land use, zoning, water and power planning as demand increases, while noting major projects involving Google, Apple, Microsoft, Meta and QTS.
At the Iowa Digital Infrastructure Summit in Des Moines, Technology Association of Iowa President Brian Waller said Iowa has an opportunity to expand its digital infrastructure while addressing community concerns. He cited roughly $17 billion in investment, nearly 10,000 jobs and about $1.6 billion in annual economic impact associated with the state’s data center sector. Existing and planned facilities are concentrated in communities including Council Bluffs, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, West Des Moines, Altoona and Davenport.
Speakers focused on the need for coordinated planning. Tami Madsen of Central Iowa Water Works said water infrastructure decisions must account for prospective large users before projects are developed, while CBRE executive Mike Macri said existing industrial zoning classifications and financing changes create challenges for data center sites. Maison Bleam of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator said Iowa’s grid can meet current demand but will require faster generation and transmission development as data centers and other industrial users increase electricity consumption.