Data Centers are Catalyst for Industry Diversification and Workforce Development

This article originally appeared on and was written for Wyandotte Economic Development Council by Golden Shovel Agency.

In today's data-driven economy, data centers have become essential infrastructure and, in some cases, more important than roads, railways, and power grids that once fueled previous waves of industrial growth.

They power everything from ChatGPT searches to mobile check deposits, writing in a Google Doc, and moving something off your Amazon wishlist to buy. But perhaps one of data centers' largest impacts is how it influences economic development. In many communities, data centers are helping to transform local economies by driving industry diversification and reshaping workforce development in the communities they call home.

"Our approach to economic development is all about balance," said Greg Kindle, President of WYEDC. "Yes, we're excited about the level of investment being attracted here, but economic development is multifaceted. By attracting a multi-million dollar data center, we are diversifying our revenue streams, utilizing existing infrastructure, and creating high-wage jobs. Data centers also have a significant spin-off effect because they utilize so many other services that often want to be close to the data centers. That spin-off can be just as impactful. It's about attracting the right mix of businesses that fit Wyandotte County and contribute to long-term economic diversification. They open the door for a wider range of industries to grow here."

"This kind of diversification is vital for the Piper School District," said Dr. Jessica Dain, Superintendent of Piper Unified School District 203. "Over 60% of our tax base is currently residential. Future commercial projects like new data centers could help ease the tax burden on homeowners and generate new revenue for the district."

With data centers and the additional benefits of workforce development and industry diversification, the district could provide top-tier services for students without seeking additional bonds and monies from Wyandotte County taxpayers.

A New Era of Digital Infrastructure

Data centers have evolved to be more than sites that hold and store digital information. They are high-performance engines that enable modern business operations across every sector. Without data centers, people wouldn't be able to do many common daily activities, such as reading this article on your phones, scrolling through social media, or making online shopping purchases.

Data centers support cloud-based applications like Google Drive, ensure cybersecurity for financial institutions, and enable precision manufacturing through real-time data processing. Having this resource is critical for remaining competitive in a connected, global economy.

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