Thanks to everyone who joined us for an amazing ribbon cutting at Dickerson's Tri-City Pianos! You can find them at 1330 Jadwin Ave., Richland, WA 99354.

Thanks to all who joined us on August 5th for the second session in the Yes, You Can! series!

Data centers are quickly becoming a vital part of the modern economy, and communities across Washington are asking an important question: Are we ready for what’s coming? At a recent Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce roundtable, representatives from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, labor, Microsoft, and Sabey Data Centers discussed the economic benefits of data centers, their rising electricity needs, and what this rapidly evolving industry could mean for Washington and the Tri-Cities.

Central Washington already shows potential benefits. Communities like Quincy have attracted billions in investments, expanded their tax base, increased construction activity, and created permanent jobs—many offering competitive wages that don’t require a four-year degree. Data center companies have also contributed to funding electrical infrastructure, schools, hospitals, public facilities, and community programs, including substations and transmission upgrades necessary for their projects.

For the Tri-Cities, data centers could offer a significant opportunity for economic growth. The region possesses many of the key assets these companies look for, including available land, an energy and construction workforce, research capabilities at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and a strong history as an energy and technology center.

The main challenge is energy. Modern data centers, especially those supporting AI, require large amounts of electricity, while Washington already faces increasing demand from housing, manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, and other sectors. Without sufficient reliable power generation and transmission, one major energy user could hinder the ability of other businesses to grow in the region.

Water, land use, infrastructure, and community impacts also need careful review. While newer cooling technologies can lower water use, each project varies, so communities should clearly understand a facility’s electricity and water needs, infrastructure costs, permanent jobs, and long-term local benefits.

For the Tri-Cities, the question isn't just whether data centers are good or bad, but what kind of development suits the region and under what conditions. Data centers can provide major investment, tax revenue, jobs, and technological opportunities, but only if growth aligns with reliable energy, proper infrastructure, responsible resource use, and clear community benefits.
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View the video recording of the panel discussion: Keeping the lights on - Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce

A big congratulations to Lutheran Community Services on the opening of their new facility! You can find them at 7011 W. Canal Dr., Ste. G, Kennewick, WA 99336.