Securing Community Approval for a 400MW Data Center in 90 Days

A hyperscale data center developer had selected a site in a fast-growing Texas county. The project represented 400MW of capacity and $2.1B in capital investment. The timeline required a conditional use permit within 90 days of announcement.

Community opposition to data centers in Texas had been intensifying. Three comparable projects in adjacent counties had been delayed an average of 14 months by organized opposition.

Residua conducted a pre-announcement Infrastructure Sentiment Study: 340 structured interviews across the county, stakeholder mapping of 47 civic and political actors, and opposition scenario modeling based on the county's specific demographic and political profile.

The study identified three specific concerns: water consumption, property tax abatements, and local hiring commitments. It also identified the two county commissioners whose support was decisive — and the specific commitments that would secure it.

The developer announced the project with a structured community benefits package that directly addressed the three concerns. Opposition organized but found its central arguments already answered. The conditional use permit was granted 83 days after announcement.

The project is now operational. No litigation. No material delay.