From The Conversation · Fengxiu Zhang · · 2m
Data center neighbors want a real say
Northern Virginia residents support development rules that give them a voice before massive server farms get built nearby.
In brief
Northern Virginia residents support development rules that give them a voice before massive server farms get built nearby. Communities living near data centers don't oppose growth, but they want transparency, public hearings, and protections before projects are approved. Originally reported by The Conversation.
Virginia's data center boom
Northern Virginia hosts the world's largest concentration of data centers. Residents have lived with them for years, but opposition to new projects is growing.
Recent wins for opponents
In July 2026, developers withdrew a proposal for a 2,100-acre campus with up to 37 data centers in Prince William County after public protest. A week later, county officials rejected rezoning another 2,000 acres for more centers.
What residents actually want
A survey of over 1,000 northern Virginia residents found they support policies that make data centers more transparent and accountable, but care more about some rules than others.
Underground power lines rank high
Residents most strongly support requiring new electricity transmission lines to be buried underground and banning data centers near homes, schools and parks.
Public review matters most
Having a voice before projects are approved ranks second in importance to residents. For years, Virginia jurisdictions allowed data centers without public hearings if zoning rules were met.
Loudoun County changes course
In early 2025, Loudoun County ended automatic zoning approval for data centers and now requires public hearings before officials decide on proposals.
The electricity cost question
Residents were ambivalent about charging data centers higher electricity rates. Wholesale prices near data centers tripled between 2020 and 2025, raising costs for other customers.
Growth and rules can coexist
About 47% of survey respondents support data center development in their area. They want growth with safeguards, not a blanket yes or no.
The real challenge ahead
Communities don't need to choose between allowing data centers or blocking them. The challenge is governing their growth with transparency and public input.
“Supporting data center growth and strengthening oversight are not competing goals.”
Here's the gist
Communities living near data centers don't oppose growth, but they want transparency, public hearings, and protections before projects are approved.
