ICLEI USA Commons

Data center development is surging across the United States, bringing high-stakes decisions directly to local town halls. Many communities lack the specialized staff capacity or technical expertise required to negotiate effectively with developers. This webinar aimed to equip local officials and stakeholders with practical, real-world tools to safeguard resident interests and secure smart growth. 

Key Themes

• Direct Peer Insights: Two local elected officials shared their experience, recent actions, and lessons learned. 
• National Expert Guidance: Climate Mayors shared some of their newly developed resources for elected officials and government staff and highlighted tools and case studies on four key policy areas (land use planning, electricity rates, water use, and air and noise pollution). 

Featured Speakers

• Mayor John Laesch - Aurora, IL
• Mayor Barbara Buffaloe - Columbia, MO
• Laura Jay - Deputy Director, Climate Mayors

This webinar was held on October 27, 2026. This series is supported by ICLEI USA and the CGC's Municipal Investment Fund.