Meta launched a series of advertisements in late 2025 promoting the benefits of local data centers, focusing on job creation and economic growth. The company spent more than $6 million on this campaign, which aired in cities such as Des Moines, Tallahassee, and Salt Lake City. These ads did not support any political candidate but instead aimed to influence public opinion about the construction of data centers needed for artificial intelligence development.
The increasing presence of data centers has become a significant political issue with national consequences. What was once a local dispute over land use has now influenced election outcomes in states like Virginia, New Jersey, and Georgia. Public attitudes toward these facilities are mixed; polling conducted by Narrative Strategies in February 2026 found that only 36% of Americans believe data centers do more harm than good. However, many respondents said that large technology companies and corporations benefit most from these developments, while ordinary families are less likely to see direct gains.
Several factors contribute to opposition against new data center projects. Concerns about rising energy costs have made affordability a central issue for voters across party lines. Data centers are often seen as contributing to higher utility bills, making them a target during election cycles focused on cost-of-living issues. Additionally, skepticism about artificial intelligence is growing among voters who worry about its impact on jobs and the economy.
Distrust toward major technology companies has also increased over the past decade due to various political controversies. This environment has made it harder for tech firms to gain public support for their projects. Companies are responding by taking steps such as agreeing with the White House to supply their own energy sources for data centers and integrating facilities into mixed-use developments or redeveloping old industrial sites.
Experts say that successful engagement with communities requires more than just positive messaging about jobs or tax revenue. Building trust involves concrete actions, coalition building, crisis planning, and authentic local involvement through advisory boards and community champions. As Ken Spain, CEO and Founding Partner of Narrative said: “Companies that not only want to survive but also capitalize on this moment will have to tackle the issues fueling skepticism and resistance toward tech companies and data center development.”
