Monthly Newsletter, June 2026
Community Relations Forum and a New Foundation VP
From the Arizona Data Center Alliance, connecting Arizona employers, schools, and workers across the state's growing data center economy. Here's this month's update.
Featured Event
Building Community Trust in the Data Center Era
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, ASU SkySong, Synergy I, Scottsdale
As Arizona's data center industry continues to grow, so does the need for meaningful dialogue between operators, developers, local governments, community organizations, and residents. This interactive workshop is designed to bring these stakeholders together for an open discussion about the opportunities, challenges, and concerns surrounding data center development in Arizona.
The event will feature industry experts, community voices, and panel discussions focused on public perception, economic impact, infrastructure, sustainability, and what it means to be a responsible community partner.
Attendees will have opportunities to ask questions, share perspectives, and help identify practical next steps for strengthening relationships between the industry and the communities it serves. The ideas and feedback generated during the session will help inform the Arizona Data Center Alliance's future community engagement efforts across the state.
In-person registration is filling up quickly and seats are limited to 100 attendees. A virtual option is also available. Speakers will be announced as confirmed. Special thanks to our lunch sponsor, Instrata.
Leadership
Andrea Clinton Joins AZDCA as Vice President of the Foundation
Andrea is a governance-minded executive with over 30 years of experience driving growth, execution, and operational scale across technology, infrastructure, manufacturing, and data center sectors. Her operating experience includes global leadership roles at Apple and BaseLayer, where she led multi-continent infrastructure programs and standardized mission-critical project delivery.
As VP of the Foundation, she joins a board built to fund scholarships, internships, and Arizona college partnerships.
Community
Why Arizona Needs This Conversation Now
Ohio paused its data center tax exemption. A small Oregon town turned down a project. New Jersey is drafting guardrails. Arizona has a window to get out in front of the same questions.
Read the articlePerspective
Listening First: Why the Community Conversation Has Changed
The debate about data centers has moved from spreadsheets to kitchen tables. Technical efficiency stats move the conversation less than they used to. Here is how AZDCA is thinking about that shift.
Read the articleWorkforce
Arizona's Data Center Technician Curriculum
Maricopa Community Colleges, Estrella Mountain, and a group of Phoenix data center operators built a shared technician curriculum that graduates can take to any participating employer. The first cohort is in seats.
Read the articleAlso Coming Up
More Events on the Calendar
June 18, 2026
INTERFACE Phoenix 2026
Phoenix Convention Center, South Ballroom
July 15, 2026
7x24 Exchange Arizona July Luncheon
11:00 AM, Phoenix area
Get Involved
Help Shape How the Industry Shows Up
Industry professionals, educators, students, and community members all have a place at this table. Bring your voice to the conversation.