Candidate Question 3: Data Centers in Davidson County
Data centers are arriving in communities across the country, and Davidson County is now having that conversation too. The Board of Commissioners has begun discussing zoning rules for these facilities, and residents have raised questions about electricity and water use, noise, land use, jobs and tax revenue.
In the third question of our series, we asked candidates for the Davidson County Board of Commissioners how they would respond if a corporation tried to build a data center here. Responses came from Tonya Lanier, Matt Mizell, Dexter Short and Andrea Tate, who are running for the four full-term seats, and from Felicia Dreher and Chuck Slipetsky, who are running for the unexpired term. Robbie Beasley and Dwight Cornelison chose not to respond.
Their answers appear below in alphabetical order and are presented as submitted.
Candidate responses were collected by Sidney Briggs, a former Davidson Local intern and a student at Wellesley College.
The question: Across the country, data centers have been targeted to areas like ours. How would you respond if a corporation attempted to build one in Davidson County?
Felicia Dreher
Unexpired term
My position: Protect property rights, demand transparency, and carefully evaluate the economic and environmental impacts. Economic development should not come at the expense of residents' property rights, water resources, infrastructure, or quality of life. Data centers can bring investment, but they can also create concerns about electricity demand, water consumption, noise, land use, and the number of permanent jobs created. Davidson County has already begun considering specific zoning provisions for data centers, including a proposal discussed by the Board of Commissioners in September 2026.
If a corporation proposed a data center, I would:
Demand transparency: Require that all information available to the county about the proposed project, its infrastructure requirements, and any public incentives be made accessible to residents.
Protect property rights: Ensure that nearby property owners have opportunities to participate in public hearings and that applicable property rights and legal protections are respected.
Evaluate infrastructure impacts: Examine projected water and electricity demands, road improvements, emergency services, and any potential costs to taxpayers.
Examine economic benefits: Require a realistic assessment of permanent jobs, wages, tax revenue, infrastructure costs, and any requested tax incentives.
Address environmental concerns: Seek appropriate information about noise, stormwater runoff, water usage, backup generators, and other potential impacts.
Respect local authority: Use the county's lawful zoning and land-use authority to evaluate the proposal, while recognizing the limits imposed by state and federal law.
I would not support giving a corporation a blank check or making promises before the facts are available. Nor would I assume that every proposed development is automatically harmful. Each proposal should be evaluated on its actual merits, its impact on residents, and its full financial implications. Residents deserve a meaningful voice in decisions that could permanently affect their communities.
Tonya Lanier
Full term
With my current limited knowledge of data centers, I would have to have a very convincing argument why Davidson County would want the environmental impact and high energy consumption associated with a data center. I would respond based on the desires of Davidson County citizens and several fact finding missions.
Matt Mizell
Full term
Let me first preface my statement by saying the Board of Commissioners does not have the authority to simply ban data centers. And I also realize there is a wide spectrum on types of data centers. The concerns I express here are with the large, hyperscale facilities. We need rules and regulations in place and updated ordinances. Currently, our zoning ordinances say nothing about data centers. They would be considered warehouses and regulations around those are rather light. This is why I brought forward the idea of enacting a moratorium – which would grant us protection as we took the time to study the matter and setup the proper regulations. Unfortunately, the motion failed on a 3-3 vote during our August 24 meeting. My concern is not the technology itself. Data centers are necessary infrastructure, but very large facilities can have impacts fundamentally different from a normal office or warehouse such as enormous electrical demand, water use depending on the cooling system, noise, and a large physical footprint that impacts on the land. If a corporation requested a rezoning for a large data center here, I would examine the location – is it already within an industrial node for instance. How strong are our current ordinances and rules (which have not been finalized at the writing of this statement)? What is the compatibility with the area – are homes and neighborhoods close? What is the environmental impact?
Dexter Short
Full term
Data Centers-If properly regulated, Data Centers can be a means to reduce the tax burden on our residents. Setting the regulations and requirements they must abide by can create a means where they can co-exist and be a benefit. Everyone uses data and we must have the means to support that. Unfortunately, there is a huge misinformation campaign being promoted in this country by China, Russia, Iran and others who want the US to be behind in technology. Setting the right regulations is paramount to preventing Data Centers that detract from the community in any manner. I am against the citizens of this county having to subsidize any costs for Data Centers coming here. The Data Centers themselves will have to assume any such costs on their own.
Chuck Slipetsky
Unexpired term
I am personally against data centers as it seems the county is except for over half of the commissioners. Although I do oppose, if elected, I will fight for them if that is what our citizens want. Many approve of them because they see a revenue stream for the county and jobs as well, both in the construction and operation of the center. I oppose them because they do not provide many jobs in its operation. AI will do that. The construction jobs will be few since many of the crew will be out of state due to their experience in building these specialized sites. They also require vast amounts of electricity which will require more power plants and more pollution. In addition, they are very noisy with huge cooling fans that run constantly causing noise pollution for their neighbors. They also require vast amounts of cooling water, most likely from the Yadkin River with much of that water either evaporating or going back into the river much warmer than it was causing a huge change in the water life. In addition, like most of us, I am concerned and frightened by AI and its misuse. There are no adequate laws and regulations in place to protect us. The current federal government is pushing centers across the country so fast that there will not be time to investigate what safeguards are needed so individuals who control our government, federally and locally, can benefit.
Andrea Tate
Full term
If a corporation proposed building a data center in Davidson County, I would not automatically support or oppose it without reviewing the details. I would want a transparent process that gives residents accurate information and allows county leaders to understand both the potential benefits and the long-term impacts. My questions would include how much land, electricity, and water the project would require; what infrastructure upgrades would be needed; who would pay for those upgrades; how many permanent jobs would be created; what tax revenue the county could expect; and how nearby residents and property owners would be affected. I would also want to understand the zoning, noise, traffic, environmental, and emergency-service implications before making a decision. Economic development can be valuable, but a project should make sense for the location and for Davidson County as a whole. Responsible growth means looking beyond the initial investment or announcement. County leaders have to consider the long-term cost, the effect on public services, and whether promised benefits are supported by clear information. I would listen to residents, county staff, utility providers, economic-development professionals, and the company involved. My decision would be based on facts, public input, and the long-term interests of Davidson County rather than pressure to move quickly in either direction.
Robbie Beasley and Dwight Cornelison, candidates for the full-term seats, did not respond to this question.
