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

We help AI and technology companies navigate the evolving policy and regulatory landscape surrounding artificial intelligence. Our team monitors emerging legislation, engages directly with regulators and government decisionmakers and advocates for our clients at every level of government regardless of whether they are seeking to influence policy outcomes, secure government contracts or advance critical funding initiatives.

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.

Work We've Done

Secured and rezoning land for data centers across several counties in central Virginia totaling a $35 billion investment, the largest capital improvement investment in the state’s history.

Secured state and local economic development incentives for a $20 billion commitment by a prominent data center client to build two artificial intelligence innovation campuses, creating hundreds of high paying technology jobs.

Facilitated strategic negotiations on behalf of a multinational technology company with a Virginia higher education institution to launch a first-of-its-kind artificial intelligence incubator.

Advised internet service provider in obtaining a multimillion-dollar award from the Texas Broadband Development Office for large-scale infrastructure deployment.

Secured and rezoning land for data centers across several counties in central Virginia totaling a $35 billion investment, the largest capital improvement investment in the state’s history.

Passed legislation aimed at curbing litigation related to text message solicitations on behalf of an e-commerce organization.

Industry Focus

Energy

Health Care

Data Centers, Technology & AI

Sports, Entertainment & Gaming

We solve technology challenges for companies and government. McGuireWoods Consulting has helped us increase our community engagement and cultivate relationships that have allowed us to gain exposure beyond our network.

Aaron Mathes | Senior Vice President

CGI

FAQs

How do you help AI companies sell to government?

We help clients understand government needs and cultivate relationships with career agency staff and decisionmakers. This allows companies to articulate how their technology addresses industry issues. Our team advocates for essential state funding to support technology adoption and modernization initiatives across government agencies.

How do you help companies engage local communities?

McGuireWoods Consulting empowers organizations to build constructive relationships with local communities through strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, coalition building and public affairs initiatives. Our team works with companies to identify key community stakeholders, develop effective messaging, address concerns, and create engagement strategies that support successful projects and long-term community relationships.

How do you help data center developers navigate state and local policy?

McGuireWoods Consulting helps data center developers address the complex policy, regulatory and community considerations involved in expansion and investment decisions. Our team provides guidance on site selection, economic development incentives, government relations, permitting processes, infrastructure priorities, workforce considerations and stakeholder engagement. We work with clients to align projects with state and local priorities while navigating the public policy environment.

What public policy issues affect artificial intelligence companies?

Artificial intelligence companies face a rapidly evolving policy landscape involving issues such as data privacy, cybersecurity, workforce development, energy and infrastructure needs, technology regulation, government procurement and responsible AI adoption. McGuireWoods Consulting helps AI and technology companies monitor policy developments, engage with policymakers, and develop strategies to address regulatory challenges and opportunities at the federal, state, and local levels.

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