Kansas built America’s foundation. Now it can power our nation’s future through data centers.

Data centers offer economic development opportunities for Kansas communities and residents, writes our contributor. (Photo by Imaginima/Getty Images)

Kansas is not a state that waits for opportunities to find us. Our communities built the foundations that move the rest of the country and have always played a central role in powering the American economy.

During my time in the state Legislature, I learned that our greatest successes come when we lean into our role as a hub for national commerce. I saw firsthand how targeted investments and sound policy shape our future. The next great pillar of the American economy is digital infrastructure, and Kansas has an opportunity to once again lead in building the foundation for future growth.

America’s prosperity depends on data centers. These facilities are as essential to today’s economy as railroads and highways were to earlier generations. Data centers pave today’s information highway. For the United States to remain competitive in the global market, we must build this infrastructure at scale, and Kansas should lead that effort.

Few states are better positioned. Our location provides seamless connectivity across the country. We have the land and resources to support large-scale, reliable investments and development. When combined with our strong fiber networks and energy foundation, Kansas has a clear strategic advantage.

The benefits to our state are significant and compelling.

Energy policy and economic growth are closely linked, and data centers sit at the intersection of both. These projects drive investment into the energy grid, which improves reliability and affordability for residents. Data center operators often finance their own energy resources and pay their full cost of service. This ensures that new demand does not become a financial burden for existing customers. Their presence spreads fixed-system costs across more users, which results in a stronger grid and helps keep energy bills lower.

Data centers also deliver real economic growth, particularly in areas that need it most. From construction to long-term operations, they create high-quality jobs in fields like engineering, maintenance and security. These are stable positions that support families and bring new opportunities to communities.

With the right partnerships in place, data centers’ impact extends well beyond the site itself. They can drive demand for local businesses and increase tax revenue that can be reinvested into improving schools, public safety, and infrastructure.

Despite these clear benefits, some policymakers are considering restrictions that would slow progress. I understand the instinct to be thorough and proceed with caution, but proposals like moratoriums or punitive tax structures push investment to other states. That is not a theoretical risk — it’s already playing out across the country. We need to decide if Kansas will lead or be left behind.

Leaders should take a clear-eyed view of what is at stake. Data centers are not a burden. They are an opportunity to strengthen our economy, modernize our infrastructure and position Kansas at the center of the next wave of innovation.

Kansas has always stepped up to meet the country’s needs. Today, we need a more reliable digital backbone to keep our economy moving. By embracing this growth, we’re protecting the interests of our communities and securing opportunities that will serve the people of Kansas for years to come.

Jan Kessinger served in the Kansas Legislature from 2017 through 2021 and was special projects manager for the Kansas Department of Commerce from 2022 to 2023. Through its opinion section, the Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.