Digital Infrastructure Resource Center
A Community’s Guide to
Data and Connectivity
Development Projects
Understanding digital infrastructure
RVA757 Connects has created this resource center to spotlight the growing world of digital infrastructure, including data centers, across our megaregion and state.
This Resource Center seeks to offer clear, accessible insights and information into the digital infrastructure ecosystem — its components, its economic and community impact, and the policies shaping its growth — to better equip local leaders, stakeholders, and the public to engage with and help guide this vital sector.
Data centers are one piece of a larger digital infrastructure ecosystem, which has a broader set of benefits, opportunities, and challenges.
Why digital infrastructure matters?
This Q&A highlights a key point often overlooked: data centers are just one part of the broader digital infrastructure ecosystem that gives Virginia communities and the state a competitive edge in economic development.
Data Center 101: What is a data center?
Data centers are mission-critical infrastructure, enabling our digital world to function and grow,
Importance of data centers
As global data generation surges, data centers offer a more efficient and secure way to manage computing than traditional decentralized systems.
Growth of data centers
Driven by the relentless growth of the digital economy, data centers have become critical infrastructure — powering everything from cloud computing to AI — and their presence continues to expand to meet rising demand.
Economic benefits
Data centers generate major economic and community benefits for Virginia — supporting tens of thousands of jobs, driving billions in investment through construction, and contributing to local infrastructure, education, and nonprofit initiatives.
Beyond Data Centers
Data centers have a ripple effect by supporting a wide range of industries that boosts local businesses, strengthens supply chains, and brings investment to communities across the state.
Common myths and realities
Here are some common myths about data centers — along with the facts that show their true impact on jobs, communities, and the economy..
Questions localities should ask
Local governments should take these key steps to effectively evaluate and guide data center development.
How to Overcome NIMBYism
This strategic guide provides turning NIMBYism and community opposition to data center development into constructive dialogue.
How localities can become data center ready
As data center development continues to accelerate, local governments must be equipped to assess proposals through a lens of infrastructure readiness, environmental responsibility, community alignment, and long-term benefit.
How to think about energy
The energy consumption used by data centers is significant. These facilities require a reliable, large-scale power supply to maintain uninterrupted operations.
How to think about water resources
Water plays a critical role in cooling data center systems, especially in traditional evaporative cooling methods.
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Data centers have a ripple effect by supporting a wide range of industries that boosts local businesses, strengthens supply chains, and brings investment to communities across the state.