Data centers will be the most talked about and controversial topics of 2026 at the local level. My news feed of late is littered with stories about residents opposing data centers.
One of the reasons I publish this newsletter is to tip off executives to trends or interesting stories that may have some relevance to them. I firmly believe that when an executive proactively pre-empts an issues in their community that it demonstrates insightfulness, communicates competency, and engenders faith and confidence with your governing body.
You aren’t coasting on the job with your feet on the desk. You are focused, engaged, and looking multiple steps ahead.
Instead of waiting for a data center issue to pop up (or any other issue I post about) and then react to it in your community — it would make more sense to start communicating with your electeds and taking their temperature on potential actions they may want you to take. Again, not only does it show you are competent, but it also protects your council from getting caught flat-footed if something does arise.
It is my hope that the newsletter content helps you create and demonstrate value in your community.
Job Board Postings
It is free to post all of your senior and executive level recruitments over at the AAME job board. If you would like to include them in this newsletter, select the $199 option.
City/County Manager Recruitments
CO: Craig - City Manager (Until Filled) | in-house
IA: Cedar Falls - City Administrator (1/30/2026) | CB-Assoc
TX: Lamesa - City Manager (1/16/2025) | Clear Career
TX: Nederland - City Manager (1/23/2026) | Clear Career
TX: Surfside Beach - City Administrator (1/30/2025) Clear Career
VA: Hopewell - City Manager (First Review 1/16/2026) CB & Assoc.
Other
PA: Cranberry Township - Director of Utilities (2/9/2026) | in-house
TX: Dumas - Finance Director (1/30/2025) | Clear Career
TX: Liberty - Assistant Police Chief (1/19/2025) | Clear Career
TX: Marble Falls - Finance Director (2/7/2026) | Clear Career
TX: Wichita Falls - Chief Building Official (1/27/2026) | Clear Career
Data Centers Blowing Up My News Feed
Here is just a smattering of stories of late:
AL: Residents voice concerns over data center in Columbiana at packed town hall
CA: Controversial plans for a $10 billion data center in Imperial County are raising concerns about water, power, and air quality
IL: Postponed: Public hearing for data center in Lisle delayed due to large turnout
IL: Naperville City Council rejects data center
MI: More communities near Ann Arbor pressing pause button on massive data centers; instituting moratoriums; Saginaw imposes 6-month moratorium
OH: Ohio EPA’s ‘out of its mind’ plan could let data centers boil our rivers
PA: Data center forum in Carlisle postponed as organizers seek larger venue; Dozens turned out to oppose Ransom Township data center
TX: Sulphur Springs city manager to testify in AI data center land lawsuit
WI: DeForest residents organize to stop proposed data center after emails go public; weigh environmental impact
WIRED Magazine: People Are Protesting Data Centers—but Embracing the Factories That Supply Them
Data Center Watch: A boutique research firm tracking the growing opposition to data center development
Other News Around the Country
CA: Amid City Council tension, West Covina advances code of conduct measure
CO: Mountain Village Scandal: One elected resigns, town manager takes a leave of absence, and investigation launched into effort to buy Telluride ski resort
FL: Lakeland City Manager Shawn Sherrouse scores high marks; 18% in total pay raises over last year brings his salary to $283,250
FL: Miami Beach woman confronted by police after Facebook post about city's mayor demands full investigation
FL: 'We're hearing crickets': Palm Beach County Administrator says State CFO hasn't shown proof of $344M in overspending
ND: Fargo Human Rights Commission members look for solution as city dissolves diversity efforts
NY: How new city initiative would remove 'eyesore' abandoned RVs in Binghamton
PA: Ohio Township elected official and a clerk with the Ohio Township police department caught having sex in public, facing charges
UT: Eagle Mountain City Council considers stripping mayor of powers
WA: East Wenatchee City Council considers removing Pride banners
WI: DeForest prepares to reintroduce fluoride to its water after protracted controversy
WI: Police report: Shorewood Hills trustee verbally abused village staff