Date & Time: Tuesday, October 7, 2025 4:00–5:30 PM
Location: First AME Church, Hull Street, Athens, GA
Why This Event Matters
Data centers power our digital lives—keeping the internet, cloud services, and AI running 24/7. But while they’re essential for technology, they also consume enormous amounts of electricity and water, use large parcels of land, and can reshape local economies.
This 90-minute interactive workshop will help Athens residents and decision-makers understand how data centers affect our neighborhoods and how communities can shape policies for a fair, sustainable future.
What You’ll Learn
During the session, participants will:
- Understand the Basics: How data centers operate and what they require to function
- Explore Local Impacts: Environmental footprint, economic trade-offs, and land-use concerns
- Discuss Policy & Equity: Current regulations, gaps, and community advocacy efforts
- Plan for Action: Work in breakout groups to draft local policy ideas and practical advocacy steps
Workshop Agenda
- Welcome & Introduction (10 min): Community values, icebreakers, and goals
- Understanding Data Centers (15 min): How they work + Q&A
- Local Impact: What’s at Stake? (20 min): Environmental footprint, economic trade-offs, land use
- Policy & Equity Discussion (20 min): Policies, gaps, and advocacy examples
- Advocacy & Action Planning (20 min): Breakout groups for solutions
- Closing & Next Steps (5 min): Recap, resources, and follow-up
Key Topics & Policy Ideas
- Fairness & Equity: Community benefit agreements, equitable siting, transparency in tax incentives
- Sustainability: Renewable energy mandates, energy/water caps, carbon audits, heat reuse
- Transparency & Accountability: Public reporting, independent oversight, data justice audits
- Planning & Regulation: Comprehensive impact assessments, zoning reforms, moratoriums if needed
- Community Voice: Required consultation, digital equity offsets, local advocacy support
Hosted By
This event is sponsored by Athens Land Trust, Southern Sustainability Institute, and the ALT Community Advisory Boards – East Athens, North Athens, and West Broad.
RSVP Today
Space is limited. Please RSVP to Dr. Tawana Mattox (Dr. T):
📞 706-613-0122
📧 RSVP@sosuin.org
