Georgia Municipal Association Hosts Atlanta data center summit

Data center proposals are showing up in communities across Georgia, and city leaders need to be ready, according to the Georgia Municipal Association. To help local governments prepare for these developments, the GMA is hosting a full-day data center summit at its Atlanta offices located at 201 Pryor Street, SW.

What Local Leaders Will Learn at the Atlanta Summit

The upcoming event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a continental breakfast opening at 8:00 a.m. and lunch provided for attendees. Registration costs $50, and seating is strictly capped at 100 participants. For officials traveling from outside the immediate area, hotel room reservations are available nearby at the Origin Hotel at 110 Mitchell St SW.

The curriculum is designed to give municipal officials a clear-eyed look at what data centers are, how they operate, and the direct impacts they bring to local governments. Sessions will break down the fundamental mechanics of these massive facilities, alongside lessons drawn from other states. Notably, a county attorney from Virginia will share firsthand insights on what local governments there learned while navigating similar infrastructure booms.

Energy Demands and Regulatory Oversight

Power consumption remains one of the most pressing hurdles for municipalities weighing these projects. An industry panel at the summit will address upcoming trends in energy considerations and power grid capacity. Meanwhile, Public Service Commission Chair Jason Shaw is scheduled to deliver a dedicated regulatory update.

Beyond electrical grids, the sessions will tackle land use and conservation issues tied directly to data center development. Officials from rural Georgia communities who have already worked side-by-side with developers on active projects will also share their practical perspectives on managing growth, balancing local resources, and protecting community interests.