Infrastructure
Bill to provide tax breaks for data centers reintroduced by Colorado lawmakers
The bill would offer a 100% sales and use tax exemption for qualified data centers for at least 20 years.
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New Tools Help State and Local Governments Battle Ransomware, Other Big Disasters
When governments find themselves being ransomed, their choices are typically to pay, which will undercut their ability to deliver key services to their communities due to budget restrictions, or not pay, resulting in the immediate inability to serve their communities and the loss of key data that will inevitably plague them for years afterwards.
Election officials say trust with CISA is broken — and may not come back
States once embraced federal election security help. Now many say politicization and pullbacks have shattered that partnership.
Wyoming County approves construction of what could become the largest data center in US
The project could eventually use the same amount of electricity as produced by 10 nuclear power plants, boosting Wyoming’s energy industry while challenging efforts to limit emissions and stressing water supplies.
Data will be key to lead pipe removal efforts, nonprofit says
States have about a year to confirm their plans to remove lead service lines with the federal government. Preparing data now could help officials draw such plans more efficiently.
South Dakota looks to space for final stretch of high-speed internet access initiative
The state will soon receive $72 million in federal funds to support satellite internet for more than 2,000 locations in need of broadband.
New Jersey lawmakers OK plan to charge data centers for spiking electric costs
Data centers, which are driving higher electric costs in New Jersey, would face new tariffs under a plan legislators advanced Thursday.
Data center ‘gold rush’ pits local officials’ hunt for new revenue against residents’ concerns
Without state regulations to guide them, Georgia counties are taking vastly different approaches to managing the surge in data center proposals.
In 2026, more data center regulations could be coming in Maryland
It’s likely that large scale data centers, which have a large presence in neighboring Virginia, will make their way to Maryland in greater numbers in the years ahead.
Trio of Michigan Senate Democrats introduce policy to address data center water usage
Environmental and consumer advocacy watchdogs warn these facilities can herald skyrocketing energy rates while harming drinking water access in nearby communities.
Frustrations with data center projects bubble over at Michigan Capitol
Attorney General Dana Nessel and lawmakers call for scrutiny of DTE contracts, an end to tax breaks and stronger protections for local communities.
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Nevada’s HR modernization push sets the scene for future innovation
The state is looking to revamp how it approaches human resource and staff operations after upgrading a decades-old legacy system.
Data centers for AI could nearly triple San Jose’s energy use. Who foots the bill?
AI’s planned data-center boom is straining California’s grid forecasts and raising fears that customers could pay for upgrades if projects never materialize.
Some officials, lawmakers look to speed up permitting for broadband projects
States have billions in the pipeline to build out internet infrastructure, but getting those projects approved is challenging. Lawmakers are working on the issue, while others warn of preempting local authority.
New York City launches new emergency communications vehicle to improve public safety responses
The vehicle serves as a mobile tech center to improve cross-agency coordination during critical events.
Watchdog for electric grid in Ohio, other states wants a pause on data centers
There are more than 200 data centers in Ohio already, and American Electric Power has claimed 30 gigawatts-worth of proposed data center projects want to connect to the grid.
North Dakota on track to be first in nation with 100% broadband internet access
North Dakota is on schedule to have high-speed internet access in 100% of the state by 2028 thanks to recently approved federal funding.
Montana lawmakers take a closer look at autonomous vehicles
Waymo officials were mum on the financial side of the business, but did describe the learning abilities of the software the cars run on. Essentially cars take photos of the route, learning curb heights and even if there’s a new pothole.
New Mexico unveils quantum telecom network
State officials have been positioning New Mexico as a leader in quantum sciences and technologies through private sector help and federal partnerships.
How government leaders can balance the pros and cons of data center development
Policy and partnerships with tech companies can give state and local leaders a lever to ensure data centers are developed responsibly and sustainable, experts said during a recent webinar.
Colorado town strives to become an ‘agentic smart city’
Vail has implemented a smart city platform that municipal leaders hope will improve government operations and boost customer experience.
