Atlanta Souring on Data Centers

The Atlanta area experienced a 211% increase in data center projects under construction in calendar year 2023, the largest increase in the nation, according to a CBRE survey. Georgia Power tracked 42 data center projects in the pipeline as of March 31.

While most are developed in rural areas or exurbs, some have been developed in the urban core. An effort is underway to prevent data centers from gobbling up prime real estate in neighborhoods connected to transit and the trail loop. The City Council is reviewing a ban on data centers within the Beltline Overlay District and within a half-mile of MARTA stations.

While some real estate organizations view data centers as essential infrastructure for cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other digital capabilities, opponents contend that data centers provide local communities with few permanent jobs and can consume large amounts of land, water and electricity.