Name
General Session Lunch Panel: Beyond the Meter: The Broader Economic, Infrastructure, and Community Benefits of Data Center Growth (Lumpkins Ballroom, Level 2)
Date & Time
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 1:55 PM
Rob Black Evan Cummings Synthia R. Jaramillo
Description

AI and cloud growth are accelerating data center investment across the country, but the impact on a region extends well beyond electricity demand. This session will explore the broader ecosystem that shapes responsible data center growth, including jobs, workforce development, supply chain expansion, water strategy, biodiversity and land stewardship, infrastructure planning, and long-term community benefit. The conversation will examine how states, companies, and communities can align digital infrastructure investment with broader economic development goals while creating tangible opportunities for local businesses, manufacturers, and suppliers. It will also highlight how related investments in advanced energy and manufacturing can strengthen regional competitiveness and support a more durable, future-ready industrial base. 

Location Name
Lumpkins Ballroom
Full Address
La Fonda on the Plaza
100 E San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Santa Fe, NM 87501
United States