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title: What communities need to assess a data-center project | McQueen Analytics
description: The Detroit News column brings human choice and accountability into the local project discussion.
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# What communities need to assess a data-center project

The Detroit News column brings human choice and accountability into the local project discussion.

McQueen Analytics

A customer buying data-center services and a neighbor living beside the facility may have different concerns. A ratepayer may ask how infrastructure costs will be shared. Project leaders need to examine those interests directly.

Carl’s Detroit News column calls for listening to people’s concerns alongside the benefits they see. It recommends meaningful choices, benefits that can be checked, and a person with authority to respond.

The surveys describe views on AI. They did not test whether a particular data center would win local approval. Ask residents what they expect and what would need to change, then explain how that input will shape the plan. Residents may support a project, seek changes, or oppose it. Listening should leave those choices open.

## Original column

The Detroit News · Carl McQueen · October 1, 2026

- [Read in The Detroit News ↗](https://www.detroitnews.com/story/opinion/2026/10/01/how-data-centers-can-win-over-local-communities-opinion/92020605007/)Subscription may be required
- [Read the syndicated column on AOL ↗](https://www.aol.com/articles/data-centers-win-public-support-134929000.html)Published October 2, 2026

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