Charlie Berens Launched Build Wisconsin Better
The new nonpartisan organization aims to help state communities navigate the development of hyperscale data centers.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Data Centers
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Charlie Berens has established Build Wisconsin Better, a nonpartisan entity focused on supporting Wisconsin communities as they encounter proposed hyperscale data center projects. The initiative provides advocacy and guidance regarding large-scale Big Tech infrastructure expansion.
Why it matters
The effort addresses growing local concerns surrounding the intensive resource demands of artificial intelligence and massive data center footprints. It serves to provide a unified voice for state residents as these facilities become an increasingly common feature in the regional landscape.
The organization provides navigation support for communities evaluating hyperscale data centers, which are characterized by high-density server configurations. Currently, the operational specifics of its advocacy model versus traditional state-level planning remain unconfirmed.
The players
Charlie Berens
The founder of the newly established nonpartisan organization Build Wisconsin Better.
Build Wisconsin Better
A nonpartisan organization created to assist Wisconsin communities in navigating the development of hyperscale data centers.
The details
Build Wisconsin Better functions as a support mechanism for local jurisdictions to manage the infrastructure requirements inherent to large data facilities. These hyperscale data centers—large-scale buildings housing thousands of servers to process cloud and artificial intelligence workloads—often require significant land, power, and water resources. The organization intends to provide a framework for communities to assess these development proposals.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: Charlie Berens launched Build Wisconsin Better.
The Tech Race
The launch mirrors a trend where local communities are organizing to address the resource strain caused by hyperscale data center expansion. It represents an evolution in how states respond to the competitive race for regional AI and cloud hosting infrastructure.
Residents in areas facing potential data center site proposals can utilize this new resource to access guidance and advocacy. The organization provides a mechanism for local communities to participate in the planning process for large-scale Big Tech developments.
The takeaway
This launch highlights the increasing friction between massive infrastructure expansion and local community interests in Wisconsin. Watch for the organization to release its first set of guidelines or formal position statements on pending data center proposals in the state.
Further reading
Learn more about regional infrastructure trends in our Data Centers section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTMJ.
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Do you believe local communities should have more control over data center development in their area?
