Stratechery: Data Center Discontent — Ben Thompson Argues Paying Communities Off Is the Only Solution That Works

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Ben Thompson analyzes the growing opposition to AI data center construction, arguing that while the concerns are understandable (noise, water usage, grid strain, property values), NIMBYism cannot be solved through persuasion or regulation alone. His thesis: the only approach that actually works is direct financial compensation to affected communities — essentially bribing the opposition. For builders, this signals that infrastructure costs should factor in community payments as a standard line item, not an exception.