CGCN Launches 8-State Push to Sway Black Leaders on Data Centers as 602 Projects Face Backlash
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Oct 28
CGCN Launches 8-State Push to Sway Black Leaders on Data Centers as 602 Projects Face Backlash
1 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Oct 28
Summary
CGCN has teamed with Black tech and community leaders to launch its Economic Justice and Infrastructure initiative, starting in eight states it calls “ground zero” for fights over AI-linked data center projects.
The effort aims to blunt rising local resistance driven by environmental concerns and higher power prices, with CGCN planning trust-building, local advocacy and community investment rather than a single national playbook.
Opposition has widened across the target states: the NAACP this week rolled out a tracker covering 602 proposed, approved, operating or canceled data center projects and argues harms fall disproportionately on Black communities.
A recent POLITICO poll found half of Americans oppose a new data center within 3 miles of their home, with opposition now exceeding support across every racial group.
Ja’Ron Smith, a CGCN partner and former Trump White House official, will lead the initiative as the tech industry argues data centers are critical for local growth and U.S. AI competitiveness.