New Report Examines Data Centers, Provides Planning Insights for Local Governments
Data centers are the physical backbone of the modern economy. They underpin the digital infrastructure that powers commerce, communication, and innovation, yet they introduce infrastructure and land use considerations that most municipal zoning codes have only recently begun to address.
As of March 2026, there are 20 existing and seven proposed data centers across the Greater Philadelphia region. Data centers have been proposed in a variety of community types and range widely in size and infrastructure needs. Depending on location and other variables, some data centers may require reliable access to power, water, and digital infrastructure, and access to a skilled workforce that can support both construction and long-term operations.
DVRPC’s recent report, Understanding Data Centers, introduces data centers, outlines site considerations and the tradeoffs between their potential benefits and impacts, and provides examples for local land use authority. Understanding Data Centers features a breakdown of data center-readiness factors, organized by community type, for municipalities to consult as they anticipate the implications of data centers in their communities. Regulatory considerations, such as zoning code amendments, site plan review processes, and community benefits agreements, are also provided.
This brochure is one in a series of Municipal Implementation Tools (MITs) available to local governments and planning partners to assist in implementing the region’s long-range plan, Update: Connections 2050.