Illinois study highlights benefits, challenges of hosting data centers as Central Illinois weighs regulations

CHAMPAIGN (25News Now) -A new study by the University of Illinois’ Climate Jobs Institute examined the costs and benefits of hosting data centers in three Illinois communities. The report, titled “Hosting Data Centers: Lessons from Three Illinois Communities,” found that Aurora, DeKalb and Elk Grove Village have benefited economically from hosting data centers. However, the communities also faced challenges that could serve as lessons for other municipalities and state lawmakers considering regulations.According to the report, data centers in the three communities paid more than $140 million in combined taxes from 2022 to 2024. In DeKalb, the school district used its share of the tax revenue to build a new school without having to borrow money. Other benefits of hosting data centers include temporary construction jobs and a limited number of well-paying permanent positions. In Elk Grove Village, for example, builders estimated approximately 1,000 construction jobs per day through 2030,