Business and civic leaders convene to discuss the strategic importance of data center investment for St. Louis regional growth
ST. LOUIS — Regional business, civic, and labor leaders gathered today to discuss how investing in data centers and technology infrastructure can support inclusive economic development across the St. Louis area. The group emphasized that this digital infrastructure is essential for positioning the region competitively in the modern economy.
“We’re witnessing intense competition for jobs, and digital infrastructure is defining the economic landscape of tomorrow,” said Ron Kitchens, Managing Partner of Greater St. Louis, Inc. “The question before us is straightforward: Will St. Louis step up to compete, or will we stand aside while other regions advance?
“We’re confident that St. Louis can rival any region in the nation, and we’re here to demonstrate that our region’s future is worth fighting for.”
The discussion brought together leaders from the Missouri AFL-CIO, St. Louis Building and Construction Trades Council, the St. Louis Branch of the NAACP, and experts specializing in economic development, utilities, and data center operations.
Participants outlined key advantages of data center investment for St. Louis:
- Substantial capital investment and economic expansion
- Creation of thousands of quality employment opportunities
- Enhanced resources for education and essential city services
- Strengthened growth in technology-driven industries such as healthcare, agricultural technology, geospatial services, neuroscience, fintech, and related sectors.
The leaders emphasized their commitment to countering misleading claims about data centers that have surfaced in recent discussions.
“Many communities are evaluating whether data centers merit investment, with questions about power consumption, water demands, and land use taking center stage. These discussions are necessary and valid. However, false narratives and inaccurate information are often overshadowing factual evidence and rational analysis,” said Kitchens.
Greater St. Louis, Inc. – We Drive Growth
Greater St. Louis, Inc. builds partnerships that fuel growth throughout the 15-county St. Louis region. We bring together business, government, and community leaders to advance economic development and opportunity across the greater St. Louis area. Our collaborative approach is designed to build an inclusive, prosperous St. Louis region that draws investment and talent while creating quality jobs for all residents. Discover more about our work at GreaterSTLinc.com.
