It seems like a lifetime ago, when COVID turned our lives upside down, yet the consequences for many remain very real. While the shutdowns in much of rural Nebraska may not have been as severe as those experienced in our larger cities, our lives were still changed in ways we never imagined.

Communities across Nebraska and the country are being approached by companies looking for locations to build data centers. The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, online storage, and digital services has created unprecedented demand for this type of infrastructure. 

As many of you know, we have been dealing with budget shortfalls during the last two years. I thought it might be worthwhile to explain the state’s budget process, where the revenues come from, and why we are dealing with deficits.

As we move through the interim, Nebraska continues to experience positive developments in economic growth, agriculture, and overall prosperity. I would like to share a few highlights from across the state.

North Platte and Lincoln County are one of many communities being evaluated for data centers. Several land developers co-oping with potential data centers have inquired about appropriate locations for the centers. They came looking, the Chamber said in its newsletter on Tuesday, July 28.