Core Insights - The demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital storage is driving a surge in data-center development across small-town America, with a significant concentration of activity in a small number of counties [1] - As of July 2025, approximately 1% of U.S. counties, around 33, account for 72% of all data-center activity, indicating a rapidly changing landscape [1] Group 1: Data Center Development - Newton County, Georgia, is experiencing a significant shift due to the influx of data centers, with 11 additional centers in various stages of planning or construction since January [9] - Meta's data center in Newton County has become a major economic anchor, creating hundreds of jobs and generating long-term tax revenue, contributing $12 million in cumulative tax revenue since 2022 [6][16] - The county's access to power, proximity to I-20, and established fiber infrastructure are key factors driving the rapid growth of data centers [13] Group 2: Community Impact and Concerns - Local officials and residents express mixed feelings about the rapid development, with concerns about future vacant structures and the impact on home values [18] - The pace of construction has raised safety concerns among residents, with reports of blasting causing damage to homes [21] - While companies like Meta and Amazon are making commitments to renewable energy and community support, residents worry that the promises do not always align with their experiences [17][25] Group 3: Future Outlook - The energy demand from data centers is projected to reach 8% of all U.S. power by 2030, necessitating an investment of around $50 billion in new generation capacity by U.S. utilities [23] - Local leaders and residents agree on the need for coordinated planning to address long-term consequences of rapid development rather than outright rejection of the industry [25]