Money makes the world go round. Here is the reason it will be challenging to stop Data centers in Prince George's County. Prince George's County has a massive budget deficit that will extend into the foreseeable future. Most politicians know they can't get elected on cutting government expenditures. They know they can't get elected by increasing taxes. They know that other areas are collecting large sums of money from data centers. - SMFSC
Loudoun County receives massive tax revenue from its huge data center industry, generating nearly $900 million annually in property taxes alone in recent years, covering most of its operating budget, with projections to exceed $1 billion soon; this revenue comes primarily from taxing the valuable computer equipment, offering a huge financial benefit, as the county spends only about 4 cents on services for every dollar of data center revenue received.
Key Figures & Projections:
Current Revenue (approx. $890M-$895M): In recent fiscal years (like FY2024/2025), data centers contributed around $890-$895 million in property taxes (real and personal), almost matching the county's entire operating budget.
Future Projections: Projections suggest this computer equipment tax revenue could surpass $1 billion annually in the coming years, potentially reaching $1.37 billion by FY2026 and even higher by 2030.
Types of Revenue:
Computer Equipment Tax: The main source, taxing the servers and hardware inside the data centers.
Real Property Tax: Taxes on the land and buildings.
Business License Taxes: Smaller contributions.
Financial Impact:
High Return on Investment: Data centers provide exceptional fiscal efficiency, generating roughly $26 in tax revenue for every $1 in county services they use, notes the Olney Enterprise and Loudoun County's FAQ page.
Lowers Taxes for Residents: This surplus allows Loudoun to maintain low property tax rates, funding significant investments in infrastructure and schools, according to Wyandotte Economic Development Council and WJLA.
In short, data centers are a financial powerhouse for Loudoun County, covering most of its operational costs and funding public services through substantial property tax revenue.
