OpenAI wants to win over data-center opponents by calling them ‘compute campuses’ and promising local benefits

OpenAI is trying to win over data-center opponents by rebranding the buildings as "compute campuses" and promising to provide local benefits. The company has published a National Community Compact that outlines its plans to pay its own energy costs, disclose the impacts of its facilities on surrounding areas, and involve residents in the construction of future sites.

This announcement comes after voters in 41 local ballot measures across 10 states either rejected data-center proposals or passed restrictions. OpenAI's Chief Global Affairs Officer, Chris Lehane, acknowledged voters' concerns about data centers, which have become a symbol of worries about affordability, corporate power, and loss of community control.

The company argues that "compute campuses" represent an economic role beyond the buildings themselves, generating sustained demand for skilled workers and local suppliers. OpenAI has pledged to pay for the electricity and additional infrastructure needed to serve its sites and has committed $80 million in Effingham County, Georgia, including a $4.8 million grant for free school meals for all 14,000 county students.

Similar initiatives include Amazon's $1 billion investment in data-center communities and Microsoft's Datacenter Academy, which partners with local colleges to train people for data-center jobs. However, experts remain skeptical that rebranding will be enough to address the broader distrust of technology companies.