Data Centers and Small Towns: What Communities Need to Know Before Saying Yes | Ep 42

Data centers are reshaping America's small towns in ways most communities never anticipated. What was once an infrastructure topic relegated to tech discussions is now showing up at town halls, around dinner tables, and in local news. In Episode 42 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel McVay and Tyler Norris, a lifelong El Dorado resident with direct experience inside major colocation facilities, cut through the noise to deliver actual context on what communities should know before saying yes to a data center project.

Data Centers Are Infrastructure-Not a Moral Question

Samuel and Tyler establish a critical reframe early: data centers aren't inherently good or bad. They're essential infrastructure, comparable to railroads, highways, and power plants. They power the internet, AI systems, cloud computing, and virtually everything modern society relies on. Tyler notes that data centers have been around for decades, but what's changed is the scale. A massive global build-out is underway, driven by exploding demand for computing power, and suddenly small towns that were never on anyone's radar are being considered for projects that would have seemed impossible a decade ago.

The real question isn't whether data centers should exist-they must. It's under what conditions they become a genuine win for a community. Tyler and Samuel identify legitimate benefits: tax revenue, job creation, infrastructure upgrades, and new economic activity. But those gains come with real trade-offs. Power usage, land use, noise, and the complexity of massive infrastructure deals present genuine risks, especially when communities sign agreements without fully understanding the terms.

Cutting Through Misinformation

The conversation emphasizes that misinformation flows in both directions. Some concerns are rooted in real issues; others are based on outdated information or algorithms that feed fear once you start searching. Samuel and Tyler encourage citizens to seek information from multiple angles. Rather than relying on algorithm-driven results, actively search for different perspectives-both pro and cautious voices. They recommend reaching out to people with direct experience in other areas or in larger metros like Wichita who have dealt with data center proposals.

Tyler stresses the importance of building community understanding through education and direct correspondence with informed voices. This isn't about dismissing concerns; it's about ensuring those concerns are based on current facts, not decades-old issues that modern facilities have already addressed.

The Strategic Perspective

Both speakers acknowledge that data centers aren't going away. The race for AI dominance and the geopolitical implications of computing infrastructure mean this infrastructure will continue expanding. The next decade will see significant development. Communities that want to benefit from these projects need to approach them strategically-not with blanket "yes" or "no" answers, but with clear-eyed negotiations, informed decision-making, and agreements that protect local interests while acknowledging the realities of modern infrastructure needs.

For local business leaders and community members, the lesson is clear: understanding emerging infrastructure trends is part of understanding your community's future. Just as businesses use local SEO and digital strategy to position themselves in changing markets, communities need to stay informed and strategic about infrastructure decisions that will affect growth, economy, and quality of life for generations.