Arizona Nonprofit Launched Data Center Ad Campaign
The advocacy group aims to address public concerns regarding resource usage through new public outreach tools.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Data Centers
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Nonprofit organization Project 48 Arizona has launched a billboard campaign and online dashboard to highlight the industry's economic impact. The group aims to counter public opposition to data center development across the state.
Why it matters
The campaign arrives as 57% of Arizona voters express opposition to new data center construction due to concerns over water and power usage. Project 48 intends to address these criticisms by clarifying the industry's contribution to state infrastructure.
Data centers contributed over $1 billion in state and local tax revenue during 2024. Despite public scrutiny, the facilities currently account for 0.15% of the state's total annual water consumption.
The players
Project 48 Arizona
A nonprofit organization that advocates for the economic contributions of the data center industry.
Josh Heywood
A co-founder of the Project 48 Arizona nonprofit organization.
Stephen Richer
A co-founder of the Project 48 Arizona nonprofit organization.
The details
Project 48 Arizona, a nonprofit co-founded by Josh Heywood and Stephen Richer, installed billboards and a new digital dashboard to publish data regarding local resource impact. The organization claims the effort is self-funded to maintain independence from data center companies. Critics of the development suggest that the benefits of these facilities primarily favor private interests while impacting broader community resources.
Timeline
2024: Data centers generated over $1 billion in tax revenue.
September 2026: Project 48 launched the statewide billboard and digital information campaign.
The Tech Race
The campaign follows the pattern set by the 57% opposition rate among Arizona voters measured by Noble Predictive Insights. Project 48 aims to alter this trajectory as the state manages the tension between rapid infrastructure growth and natural resource preservation.
Residents can access the newly launched online dashboard to review data regarding how local facilities manage water and electricity. This information serves as a resource for those evaluating the impact of commercial development projects in their home counties.
The takeaway
The campaign highlights the widening gap between the economic tax revenue generated by tech infrastructure and public perception of resource management. Watch for future poll results to see if the nonprofit's efforts succeed in narrowing the 27-point margin between opposing and supporting voters.
Further reading
For broader context on current infrastructure debates, see Data Centers.
Source note: This article includes information reported by abc15 Arizona.
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