The powerful way American communities can benefit from the new tech boom revealed by data center CEO

What happened: Compass Datacenters CEO Chris Crosby said the firm integrates into host communities, citing its Red Oak, Texas campus with water-free cooling and local investments. Key numbers: $15 million donated for an animal shelter; $12.6 million training facility with Texas State Technical College; campus began 2019; 10 data center buildings; about 900 on-site workers, roughly Why it matters: Data centers face scrutiny over power and water use, and Crosby argues community investment and grid co-investment answer that criticism while the industry struggles to fill skilled trade roles.

Compass Datacenters CEO Chris Crosby said the firm integrates into host communities, citing its Red Oak, Texas campus with water-free cooling and local investments.

Data centers face scrutiny over power and water use, and Crosby argues community investment and grid co-investment answer that criticism while the industry struggles to fill skilled trade roles.