“What Is a Data Center?” Supplier, Workforce, and Community Benefit Survey Launches in NY–NJ

LocalContent.com today announced the launch of “What Is a Data Center?”, a Supplier, Workforce, and Community Benefit Survey designed to generate decision-grade intelligence on how data center development can more effectively support local and small businesses, workforce development, and community benefit investments.

The survey provides a practical, data-driven resource for state and local governments, developers, utilities, suppliers, workforce organizations, nonprofits, and community stakeholders seeking to strengthen decision-making and local benefits across all phases of data center development.

The survey will be conducted through a phased market deployment aligned with how data center infrastructure is planned, financed, and delivered across the United States. Phase 1 will focus on New York and New Jersey and will run from January 1 through February 28, 2026. Additional state clusters will be announced in partnership with market and industry partners in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.

Together, New York and New Jersey represent a critical U.S. data center corridor, supporting energy infrastructure, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, financial services, healthcare systems, government operations, and other mission-critical digital infrastructure.

The What Is a Data Center? Survey identifies where and how local businesses, workers, and communities can participate across the full lifecycle of data center development. It compiles insights on:

• Which development phases best align with local supplier participation
• Opportunities for temporary and permanent job creation
• Community benefit investment priorities
• Preferred methods of stakeholder engagement
• Public sentiment toward data center development

In addition, the survey examines the role of product and company country-of-origin verification in shaping public trust, economic outcomes, and national security considerations. As data centers increasingly support critical infrastructure, artificial intelligence, healthcare, finance, and government systems, communities and policymakers are placing greater emphasis on transparent sourcing, U.S.-based manufacturing, and company ownership as indicators of responsible development and long-term economic resilience.

“Data centers are foundational to the digital economy, but their success increasingly depends on local supply chains, workforce pathways, and community integration,” said Dan Sierra, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships. “This survey provides a data-driven way to understand where local participation can be strengthened across the data center lifecycle.”

Survey results will be released as regional market intelligence reports as part of the Local Content Insights™ Series, supporting informed decision-making by governments, developers, utilities, and investors.

Survey findings will inform practical, non-prescriptive recommendations, including:

• Best-practice guidance for integrating Local Content and Domestic Content considerations into data center planning, procurement, and operations
• Workforce and community investment insights aligned with long-term infrastructure careers
• Stakeholder engagement approaches that improve transparency, trust, and project readiness

All findings will be based on aggregated, anonymized data.

Early insights from Phase 1 (NY/NJ) will be featured at the Infrastructure Supplier Forum on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Lavan Midtown in New York City, convening developers, investors, prime contractors, OEMs, suppliers, and nonprofits around procurement, workforce, and public trust.

Organizations operating in or looking to operate in New York or New Jersey are encouraged to participate. The survey takes approximately 6–8 minutes to complete.

Survey Link: LocalContent.com/what-is-a-data-center

Survey Closes: February 28, 2026

###