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Data Centers- Page 4 of 9
Findings and Recommendations
Factors to consider in the development and support of data centers for the City of Newport News include
utilizing consultant services to formulate the following:
1. Establish a Clear Vision: Define a clear purpose, mission, and vision for its technology infrastructure
strategy — a long-term framework for ensuring the city develops the physical, digital, and organizational
systems needed for a competitive, resilient, and inclusive economy.
2. Identify Competitive Sites: Designate and pre-approve flood-safe, resilient parcels for data centers with
reliable access to power, water, and fiber. This work will be advanced by the Economic Development
Department as part of the planning process.
3. Assess Infrastructure Readiness: Evaluate current capacity and plan for fiber expansion, sustainable
cooling water, and sustainable power integration. The plan will map the process required but not
execute the buildout.
4. Advance Sustainability & Resilience: Set standards for energy efficiency, renewable sourcing, and water
stewardship that strengthen competitiveness while ensuring the city remains attractive to investors.
5. Define Governance Principles: Establish predictable policies for zoning, permitting, and incentives that
build investor confidence while balancing community priorities and quality of life.
6. Engage Stakeholders & Community: Involve key partners — Newport News Shipbuilding/HII, Jefferson
Lab, business leaders, and residents — in shaping the plan, with a framework for transparency and
communication when elements like a technology overlay district or technology zone are reviewed
publicly.
7. Engage City Council: Provide ongoing input opportunities for City Council to ensure alignment with
policy direction and long-term priorities. This includes obtaining final approval of the plan.
8. Market the City’s Readiness: Develop a clear, investor-facing narrative and communication platform
the Economic Development Department can use to market the City’s readiness and competitive
position.
9. Institutionalize Accountability: Develop ongoing monitoring, reporting, and review structures to keep
policies, sites, and infrastructure competitive over time.
10. Include Big Ideas: Ensure the plan remains open to inspiration — identifying visionary opportunities
that position Newport News as a potential leader in digital infrastructure, innovation, and technology-
enabled growth.
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