Building a Better Future: Rethinking

Data Centers in Prince George's County

At Greater Capitol Heights Improvement Corporation (GCHIC), we believe data centers shouldn’t come at the expense of our neighborhoods. They should reflect a new model of responsible data center development—one that emphasizes responsible site selection and renewable energy sources and avoids greenfield erosion. Where data centers are contemplated in urban areas, they should include a mix of uses, such as affordable housing, local retail, green parks, and reliable public transit. These are the ingredients for the vibrant town centers our communities deserve.

Smart Digital Growth: Data Centers That Work With and For Our Communities

Our latest policy brief on data centers and community development outlines a bold vision for how technology infrastructure can coexist with—and even strengthen—local communities. It provides a roadmap for ensuring that any data centers built in Prince George’s County benefit residents, support small businesses, and contribute to inclusive, sustainable growth.

With public momentum growing and more residents demanding accountability, now is the time to act. Together, we can set a national standard for equitable, community-centered data centers that put people—not just profits—at the heart of progress.

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Watch Our Short "Data Center 101" Video Explainers

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Inside the Qualified Data Center Task Force Report

A five-part comparison of the Task Force’s recommendations against GCHIC’s Smart Digital Growth framework.

The Task Force largely succeeds at diagnosing the challenges around data center siting, infrastructure, and impacts. The harder question is what comes next: whether those findings are turned into clear, durable rules, or left to case‑by‑case discretion.

Part 1: What It Did, What It Found, and What Comes Next

A quick orientation to why the Task Force was created, what it examined, and how its recommendations fit into the County’s broader data center debate.

Read Part 1

Part 2: Priority‑Based Siting

Why where data centers go is the most consequential decision — and how the Task Force’s siting recommendations compare to Smart Digital Growth’s hierarchy.

Read Part 2

Part 3: When Standards Stay Optional

The gap between reporting and real regulation — and why voluntary or discretionary standards fall short for energy, water, noise, and land use.

Read Part 3

Part 4: Process, Public Trust, and Community Benefit

Why more process does not automatically mean more leverage — and where communities actually gain (or lose) influence.

Read Part 4

Part 5: From Recommendations to Rules

The bottom line: the fork in the road between rule‑based governance and case‑by‑case discretion — and why that distinction matters.

Read Part 5

Take the next step

Read Our Policy Brief

GCHIC’s new policy brief outlines how data centers can be incorporated sustainably into our communities with the right planning.

Join the Movement

Demand a plan that strengthens our communities and sets a higher standard for responsible data centers across the country.

Sign up with GCHIC today to support Smart Digital Growth!

By clicking the “Subscribe” button below, I authorize GCHIC to communicate my support for strong, community-centered data center policies in Prince George’s County. I urge the County to adopt GCHIC’s Smart Digital Growth recommendations for responsible siting, sustainability, and community benefits. I also consent to receiving additional communications from GCHIC regarding this or other important issues to the Greater Capitol Heights community.