PERMISSION TO BUILD: NAVIGATING THE HEADWINDS OF NEGATIVE DATA CENTRE SENTIMENT

As AI adoption accelerates and demand for digital infrastructure grows, data center development is facing increasing scrutiny from communities, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Operators must balance the need to rapidly deliver the capacity required for economic growth and innovation while earning trust, addressing community concerns, and demonstrating long-term value. This session will explore how data center developers, economic development leaders, policymakers, and communications experts can work together to strengthen public-private collaboration, navigate evolving expectations, and build the relationships needed to secure permission to build and support responsible infrastructure growth.