Hello Reader,

Communities across the country are being asked to offer massive tax breaks and subsidies to attract data centers. The deals are big, the promises are bold – but are they actually worth it?

This Thursday, we’re hosting a conversation with someone who has spent years studying exactly that question.

​Register and see event details in your time zone​

The Economics of Data Center Tax Incentives: Who Really Benefits?

Thursday, March 26, with Nathan Jensen.

​→ Register here in HHN​

Nathan Jensen is a Professor in the Department of Government at the University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on economic development policy, tax incentives and business-government relations. He is the co-author of Incentives to Pander, which examines why governments often overuse subsidies and tax incentives when competing for corporate investment.

In this webinar, Nathan will break down the economics and politics behind data center tax incentives, explain why local governments frequently offer such large subsidies, and explore whether communities actually see the promised economic benefits. Drawing on research and real-world examples – including recent data center deals – he will help you understand how incentive packages work, why transparency matters, and what you can do to demand accountability.

Whether you’re just learning about data centers in your area or already deep in a campaign, this session is for you.

In just a couple months, the Stop Bad Data Centers project has become a critical part of this fight; giving you a policy tracker, interactive maps, information about specific projects, a crowdsourced resource library, regular events, and services.

In case you missed the last bi-weekly round up of data center news and resources, check it out here.​

See you there,
Elissa

Elissa Yoder ​Organizing Fellow, Halt the Harm Network ​View Profile​

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