Missouri is in the middle of a once-in-a-generation economic moment, one that will shape our state for decades. High-tech companies are making major investments here, including state-of-the-art data centers that power the digital economy we all rely on. These projects represent an opportunity for Missourians to help build the infrastructure of the 21st century and to share in the benefits that come with it.

There’s been a lot of discussion about data centers: What they are and what they do. Put simply, they are the backbone of modern life. Every email, video call, online transaction, and virtual meeting depends on data centers running smoothly behind the scenes. They may look like warehouses, but what they store, and process is the digital activity that keeps businesses running and families connected.

As with any major development, it’s right, and healthy, for residents to ask questions. Communities deserve transparency and accountability. Data center operators must be good neighbors, responsive to local concerns, and committed to responsible development. The best outcomes happen when residents, local leaders, and private industry work together to ensure projects fit the communities they serve.

When done right, the benefits are substantial and long-lasting. Data centers bring significant new tax revenue that strengthens local budgets without raising the burden on homeowners. In Loudoun County, Virginia, for example, data center growth has driven major increases in property tax revenue, allowing the county to lower residential property tax rates year after year while fully funding schools, roads, and public safety.

Closer to home, Warren County approved a data center project just this year that effectively doubled the county’s tax revenue overnight. That kind of fiscal impact creates breathing room for local governments and real relief for families.

Then there are the jobs. Data center construction has been a major boost for Missouri’s skilled trades. Electricians, plumbers, welders, and other craftsmen are seeing strong demand, higher wages, and steadier work. These aren’t abstract projections; they’re real paychecks supporting real families across our state.

As local leaders consider how to manage growth, regulations should be thoughtful, balanced, and grounded in facts, not fear. We can respect community concerns while still making Missouri a place where businesses want to invest and grow. Those goals are not in conflict.

What doesn’t work are heavy-handed approaches, like permanent bans on data centers. Such policies don’t just stop individual projects—they send a signal that investment isn’t welcome. That hurts local communities, weakens the regional economy, and pushes jobs and tax dollars elsewhere. Especially in uncertain economic times, local decisions should reflect the long-term interests of the whole community, not just the loudest voices in the room.

The opportunity before us is significant. Questions should be asked. Listening should happen among residents, businesses, and elected officials alike. But if we approach this moment with collaboration instead of confrontation, Missouri can harness the benefits of data center investment to strengthen our communities today and secure a more prosperous future for years to come.