Data Centers, Technology & AI | McGuireWoods Consulting

McGuireWoods Consulting's full-service team offers deep experience in the data center and storage, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) industries.

Data Centers

We work with leading data center developers, operators and investors on projects across the country. Our team’s unique combination of local, state and federal government relations, site selection, incentives, energy and permitting services. This paired with public opinion surveys, digital media advocacy and grassroots mobilization, ensures our clients enter communities as allies, not adversaries. We also lead the way in workforce development initiatives associated with data center development.

Our firm has a proven track record securing millions of dollars in economic incentives negotiations across the country, and we have a history of working in partnership with state and local governments to shape the policy, legal, and regulatory environment necessary to ensure project success.

As requirements related to data center development become more prevalent, we remain a steadfast resource for our clients as they work to comply with assessments on water and electric grid usage, noise pollution, carbon emissions, agricultural impacts.

How We Help

Policy Monitoring and Government Relations

We monitor federal and state energy, environmental, tax, infrastructure and zoning policy shaping the data center landscape across the country. Our team anticipates policy changes and employs targeted government relations advocacy and community engagement, ensuring clients develop strategies and maintain regulatory certainty across jurisdictions.

Site Selection and Incentives

We integrate land‑use positioning with state and local incentives strategy to accelerate timelines and reduce costs. From evaluating changing political dynamics to aligning with community expectations, we manage the full site selection lifecycle to ensure project approvals and long-term success.

Coalition and Stakeholder Management

We build durable coalitions to reduce opposition and sustain long‑term operating environments for data center clients. We combine stakeholder mapping, grassroots education, survey research, and data‑driven outreach to align projects with local communities and influence decisionmakers.

Workforce Development

We facilitate focused recruitment and training efforts alongside public and private providers. We also work to identify state, local and federal funds to support these recruitment and training efforts.

AI & Tech

How We Help

Policy Monitoring and Government Relations

We track the evolving landscape of AI legislation and regulation at the federal and state levels. When policy developments warrant client engagement, we mitigate risk and establish the credibility needed to influence regulators, legislators, staff, and industry leaders.

Government Relations and Stakeholder Engagement

We reduce risk and build the credibility clients need to engage with regulators, legislators and staff, as well as industry leaders and policy influencers.

Government Procurement Strategy

We help clients understand government needs and cultivate relationships with career agency staff and decisionmakers, allowing companies to articulate how their technology addresses pain points.

State Funding and Appropriations Advocacy

We advocate for essential state funding that supports technology adoption and modernization initiatives across government agencies.