Understanding Data Centers
A Message from Mayor Vince Williams
Welcome to Union City's official information hub on data centers. As your mayor, I believe in transparency, growth, and keeping our community informed at every step. This page is designed for you to find clear facts, helpful resources, and the latest updates about data centers and their role in our city. I encourage you to explore the information, share your questions, and stay connected as we build a strong and inclusive future for Union City.
What Are Data Centers?
A data center is a specialized facility that stores, processes, and distributes large amounts of digital information. Think of it as the "brain" of the internet—powering everything from websites and emails to cloud apps and streaming services.
These centers house powerful servers, storage systems, and networking equipment, all kept in a secure, climate-controlled environment. Georgia is increasingly home to state-of-the-art data centers, helping fuel our digital economy.
You Likely Use a Data Center Every Day—Even If You Don’t Know It
Every time you send a text, stream a movie, shop online, or use GPS, you're relying on a data center. Every time you send a text, stream a movie, shop online, or use GPS, you're relying on a data center. As our lives become more connected, the need for fast, reliable, and secure data access is growing—and Georgia is rising to meet the demand.
Did You Know?
Healthcare, education, entertainment, and even farming in Georgia are powered by data stored in these digital hubs.
Data centers support a wide-range of industries: advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, e-commerce, education, financial services, government services, healthcare, public safety, remote work and more.
Check Out Our Virtual Townhall Meeting
The Union City Development Authority hosted a virtual townhall meeting on May 7, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. If you wee unable to attend, no problem. Feel free to view the replay of the live streamed event at the link below.
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Frequently Asked Questions
During our recent virtual townhall meeting, residents asked as series of questions throughout the presentation. While many of those questions were answered, Union City has compiled a list of responses to those initial questions. Feel free to check back to as we continue to answer questions and share insights on the data center industry that’s important to the residents of Union City.
For any additional questions, email us at contactuc@unioncityga.org.
How much is a data center going to cost us in additional utilities?
Data centers are fully responsible for the costs of their own utility usage, which includes both water and electricity.There will be no increase in electric or water bills for Union City residents.
Safety and Environment: What environmental studies have been done and safety protocols would be in place for data centers?
Environmental studies and regulatory reviews are mandatory and have been conducted, including assessments for water use, electrical demand, noise, and land impact. No environmental risks have been found that would negatively impact the community or surrounding natural areas. Data centers must also meet strict international safety and fire codes, with redundant power systems and advanced fire suppression.
How does the sound pollution that data centers create affect the people and wildlife that live around the centers?
Extensive studies confirm that modern data centers meet strict noise regulations, and sound levels outside the facility are well below thresholds that could harm people or wildlife. These facilities are designed with sound insulation and environmental buffers to ensure minimal disruption to the natural surroundings. FACT: Sound levels at the property line are comparable to a household air conditioner (~50-60 decibels).
Jobs and Opportunities: What ways will Union City residents benefit from data centers?
Union City has been clear with all partners: our residents must benefit. From locally sourced construction jobs to planned technical training partnerships, we are ensuring the long-term workforce strategy includes UC residents at every level that includes skilled trades to future roles in IT, logistics, and facility operations.
Traffic and Congestion: What will you do to resolve the current traffic issues to support this added impact from the data center?
We are actively working with our transportation team and regional partners to develop a comprehensive traffic mitigation plan, which includes intersection upgrades, smart signals, and road enhancements in areas impacted by any new development. Additionally, data center development teams will implement traffic mitigation plans to ensure smooth flow for current residents and future growth.