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Data Center Resources for Local Governments

October 6, 2026
October 28, 2026  
Centralina Learns: Data Centers – Preparing Your Community for What Comes Next

The Centralina Learns webinar explored the growth of data centers and what it may mean for communities in the region. Presenters shared information on business use of artificial intelligence, local planning and infrastructure considerations and lessons from Loudoun County, Virginia.

Webinar Resources:

October 6, 2026
Interest in data center development is growing across North Carolina. These projects can bring significant investment and tax revenue, while also raising important questions about land use, power, water, infrastructure, workforce needs and community impacts.

Because every project and community is different, local leaders should understand the type and scale of a proposed facility, evaluate local infrastructure capacity and establish clear expectations before development moves forward.

  • Centralina Data Center Brief — A quick overview of data centers, potential benefits and challenges and key questions local leaders should consider when evaluating a project.
  • Central Pines Regional Council: Defining Data Centers — A more detailed reference guide covering data center types, economic and infrastructure considerations, planning and https://centralina.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Data-Center-Handout_BOD.pdfzoning and practical steps communities can take to prepare.
  • Catawba County Data Center Development — A local example addressing data center investment, infrastructure, water use and community impacts.
  • IBTS: Data Centers – From Approval to Accountability— Practical guidance focused on what happens after a data center project is approved, including plan review, permitting, inspections and long-term compliance.
  • Lightcast: Data Centers and the Local Workforce — Explores the workforce side of data center development, including construction labor needs, permanent jobs, local worker availability and potential skill gaps. It also offers questions communities can use to assess whether they have the workforce needed to build and operate a data center. (Provide name and email to receive downloaded document)
  • GeorgiaTech: The Local Economic Effects of Data Ccenter Entry— Research examining how data center development may affect employment, wages, business activity, household income and electricity prices.

Questions or need assistance?
Contact Centralina Community Economic Development at cedd@centralina.org

Centralina Learns: Implementing Mobility HubsSeptember 30, 2026

Federal funds are commonly passed through state agencies in North Carolina before being awarded to local governments, which can make the original funding source less obvious. Before proceeding with a procurement, local governments should verify whether an award originates from a federal source. This determination affects compliance obligations, including procurement standards, reporting, and audit requirements.

When a construction or repair contract over $300,000 involves a building, the procurement and contract are subject to additional requirements under N.C.G.S. 143-128. Therefore, this question must be answered to determine whether the additional statutory requirements apply to this procurement scenario.

The micro-purchase threshold is a federal procurement threshold under which competitive procurement is not required. The default micro-purchase threshold is $15,000, but local governments may increase the micro-purchase threshold up to $50,000. An explanation of increasing the micro-purchase threshold and a template for the required annual self-certification is available here.