Hurt & Proffitt Hosts Statewide Summits on Data Center Development in Virginia
In 2026, Hurt & Proffitt (H&P) made significant strides in educating Virginia's communities about the burgeoning data center industry. As the state's rural economy transforms due to data center development, H&P hosted a series of seven educational summits throughout Central and Southwest Virginia. These events gathered municipal leaders, economic development teams, and experts from the industry to explore the challenges, opportunities, and infrastructure needs accompanying such rapid growth. The summits, which took place from January to October, were carried out in collaboration with various regional organizations, including the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance and the Central Virginia Planning District Commission. Each summit featured a rich lineup of presentations, panel discussions, and workshops that highlighted essential insights and strategies necessary for local leaders navigating the complexities of data center development.
Bif Johnson, the CEO of Hurt & Proffitt, emphasized the significance of these summits in addressing community concerns about the implications of expanding data center operations. 'Data centers represent one of the most pivotal economic development discussions occurring nationwide, especially here in Virginia,’ he stated. His commitment to facilitating knowledge exchange among industry professionals and community leaders was evident, as the summits enabled participants to grasp the intricacies surrounding data centers and their potential impact on local economies.
Currently, Virginia boasts the largest data center market globally, with over 763 facilities that account for nearly 4,500 megawatts of existing capacity as of mid-2026, as reported by CBRE. The interest in data center development is noticeably increasing, particularly in the less urbanized regions of southern and western Virginia. Notable operations include Microsoft’s expanding activities in Mecklenburg County and other significant projects proposed in Pittsylvania and Appomattox counties. As these trends progress, local communities actively assess the necessary infrastructure, economic prospects, and potential repercussions associated with these advances.
Including key regional players, the Commonwealth Regional Council expressed pride in collaborating with Hurt & Proffitt to organize this educational workshop. Executive Director Christin Jackson noted the impressive turnout at the summit, with over 80 participants engaging in discussions that emphasized the pressing issues related to data center development. The overwhelmingly positive feedback received from localities underscored the demand for such informative events.
Chris Lloyd, Senior Vice President and Director of Infrastructure and Economic Development at McGuireWoods Consulting, remarked on the summits' aim to transcend emotional aspects of the data center debate. These forums focused instead on rational evaluations to empower elected officials in making well-informed decisions that favor their communities.
Looking ahead, Hurt & Proffitt plans to continue their support for municipalities and economic development organizations by providing technical guidance and fostering informed dialogue regarding data center advancements across the state. Established in 1973, Hurt & Proffitt operates as a full-service engineering and surveying firm, catering to numerous communities with a diverse range of services. Employing over 200 licensed professionals, H&P sustains a long-standing commitment to infrastructure development and community engagement in Virginia and beyond.
For more information about Hurt & Proffitt and their educational initiatives, please visit their official site or reach out to them directly.
Bif Johnson, the CEO of Hurt & Proffitt, emphasized the significance of these summits in addressing community concerns about the implications of expanding data center operations. 'Data centers represent one of the most pivotal economic development discussions occurring nationwide, especially here in Virginia,’ he stated. His commitment to facilitating knowledge exchange among industry professionals and community leaders was evident, as the summits enabled participants to grasp the intricacies surrounding data centers and their potential impact on local economies.
Currently, Virginia boasts the largest data center market globally, with over 763 facilities that account for nearly 4,500 megawatts of existing capacity as of mid-2026, as reported by CBRE. The interest in data center development is noticeably increasing, particularly in the less urbanized regions of southern and western Virginia. Notable operations include Microsoft’s expanding activities in Mecklenburg County and other significant projects proposed in Pittsylvania and Appomattox counties. As these trends progress, local communities actively assess the necessary infrastructure, economic prospects, and potential repercussions associated with these advances.
Including key regional players, the Commonwealth Regional Council expressed pride in collaborating with Hurt & Proffitt to organize this educational workshop. Executive Director Christin Jackson noted the impressive turnout at the summit, with over 80 participants engaging in discussions that emphasized the pressing issues related to data center development. The overwhelmingly positive feedback received from localities underscored the demand for such informative events.
Chris Lloyd, Senior Vice President and Director of Infrastructure and Economic Development at McGuireWoods Consulting, remarked on the summits' aim to transcend emotional aspects of the data center debate. These forums focused instead on rational evaluations to empower elected officials in making well-informed decisions that favor their communities.
Looking ahead, Hurt & Proffitt plans to continue their support for municipalities and economic development organizations by providing technical guidance and fostering informed dialogue regarding data center advancements across the state. Established in 1973, Hurt & Proffitt operates as a full-service engineering and surveying firm, catering to numerous communities with a diverse range of services. Employing over 200 licensed professionals, H&P sustains a long-standing commitment to infrastructure development and community engagement in Virginia and beyond.
For more information about Hurt & Proffitt and their educational initiatives, please visit their official site or reach out to them directly.
Topics Business Technology）
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