The Data Centers Are Coming: Ep. 5 - A Better Way

The Data Centers Are Coming: Ep. 5 - A Better Way

From Building Local Power by Institute for Local Self-Reliance

June 11, 2026 · 47 min · Episode 5

About this episode

This episode discusses better ways to build and regulate data centers to empower local communities.

Throughout this season, we've learned about the threats and harms data centers pose to local communities. But is there a better way to build this tech infrastructure? On this episode, Danny invites energy, broadband, and local business experts to discuss how we can build and regulate data centers in ways that keep agency within local communities. From BYONCE (Bring Your Own New Clean Energy) to transparency, and from antitrust action to community-scaled, locally owned data centers, this episode breaks down all the ways we can create a better future — one where local communities have control over what happens next. In this episode, we hear from: Stacy Mitchell : Writer, strategist, policy advocate, co-executive director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, with a focus on the importance of small, independent businesses. Chris Mitchell : Program director at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, who is a leading national expert on community networks, Internet access, and local broadband policies, and host of the Unbuffered podcast. John Farrell : Co-executive director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and leads the organization’s work on energy systems, including duties…

People in this episode

Host: Danny

Guests: Stacy Mitchell, Chris Mitchell, John Farrell

Topics covered

  • data centers
  • local communities
  • energy
  • broadband
  • regulation
  • technology infrastructure

Keywords

  • data centers
  • local control
  • clean energy
  • community networks
  • antitrust
  • transparency

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Institute for Local Self-Reliance, Good Jobs First, AI Now Policy Institute

Products: BYONCE

Books & works: Unbuffered, Local Energy Rules

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