Data Center Resources
DOWNLOADFebruary 12, 2026 - Michigan State University Extension
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EmailWhat is a data center?
Data centers are buildings that house computers, servers, and equipment used to support digital services, and they are built in different ways to serve different needs. They range from hyperscale (the largest) to on-site, retail, or industry specific sites which might be referred to as edge, enterprise, or co-location data centers.
Some data centers are designed for advanced computing, including artificial intelligence (AI). AI data centers handle very intensive computing tasks and require higher levels of electricity and more robust cooling systems. Because of these needs, AI data centers are often located in areas with access to large power supplies and high-capacity data networks, while other types of data centers can be located in a wider range of communities.
Why the focus on data centers now?
Hyperscale data centers are getting a lot of attention in the news right now. These types of data centers can create community and regional concerns around energy consumption, water usage, size, and site location.
The U.S. Department of Energy Advisory Board notes that electric utilities are receiving requests for a single hyperscale campus of between 300-1000MW (2024); 300 MW is enough energy to power about 250,000 homes for a year. All of that energy produces heat, and water is used as a cooling source. A 100 MW facility may consume the same amount of water as 2,600 households.
As an example of size, the data center campus proposed in Saline Township was designed for 1.65 million square feet with potential expansion up to 2.2 million square feet (roughly 38 football fields). The size of the hyperscale data centers will vary based on location and computing needs.
Resources
This section will continue to be updated as new resources become available. MSU Extension provides these resources for reference purpose only. Their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement of the information, interpretations, or conclusions contained within the documents.
- Data centers in Michigan, what you need to know. Michigan Public Radio. November 2025.
- What Michigan Local Governments Should Know About Data Centers. University of Michigan Center for EmPowering Communities. February 2026.
- A Primer for Local Governments: Understanding Data Centers. National League of Cities. 2025.
- Data Centers and Their Energy Consumption: Frequently Asked Questions. Library of Congress. January 2026.
- Local Guidelines for Data Center Development. Urban Land Institute. 2024.
- Local Ordinances for Climate Adaptation & Mitigation > Local Ordinances to Help Bring Data Centers into Alignment with Climate Goals. Georgetown Climate Center.
- Data Center Development in the Great Lakes Region. The Joyce Foundation. September 2025.
- Washtenaw County Data Center Resource Website
- What Happens When Data Centers Come To Town? University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy. July 2025.
- Data Centers and the Great Lakes. Presentation by Dr. Michelle Martinez. May 2025.
- At The Crossroads: A Better Path to Managing Data Center Load Growth. Natural Resources Defense Council. September 2025.
- Catching Heat--Using Waste Heat Generated from Data Centers: Appalachian Responsible Development Opportunities, Challenges, and Policy Options. Stine, D., January 2026.
American Association of Planning
- The Physical Footprint of Artificial Intelligence. October 2025.
- Data Centers Evolved: A Primer for Planners. July 2021.
Mapping
- Data Center Demand Mapping Tool. National Laboratory of the Rockies (formerly NREL).
Community Benefit Agreements
- Building Community-First AI Infrastructure. Microsoft on Issues, January 2026.
- Community Benefits Brief Final Version. MSU Center for Community and Economic Development. 2024.
MSU Contacts
- Erik Nordman, Ph.D., MSU Institute of Public Utilities (nordman7@msu.edu)
- Jean Hardy, MSU Quello Center (jhardy@msu.edu)
- MSU Extension Planning and Zoning Contacts
- SW Michigan: Tyler Augst (augsttyl@msu.edu)
- Central Michigan: Harmony Gmazel (gmazelh@msu.edu)
- Northern Lower Peninsula: Mary Reilly (reillym8@msu.edu)
- SE Michigan: Eric Warman (warmaner@msu.edu)
