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Powering Connections Through Data Center Community Partnerships

Infrastructure has always shaped how societies grow and evolve, from roads and bridges to modern-day power grids. Today, data centers play a similar role, acting as crucial hubs for information that keep industries, governments, and people connected. While data centers are not as visible as roads or bridges, they are certainly just as integral. Beyond their functionality, data centers have the potential to create deeper, more meaningful relationships within the communities where they operate. They represent more than the digital interactions people have with them over the internet. Data centers are the people who work in them, the taxes they pay, and the partnerships they foster within their communities, driving mutual growth and innovation.

At Applied Digital, we’ve embraced this philosophy, focusing on mutual progress wherever we operate. Ellendale, North Dakota, is a compelling example of this synergy, underscoring the idea that building a data center also means building relationships. Our ongoing efforts in this small rural community show how collaboration between technology providers and local residents creates growth on both sides.

Data Center Community Partnerships Fuel Economic Opportunity

Data centers rely on highly skilled professionals to design, build, and operate their facilities, but they also bring various other workforce needs into play. Construction crews, security personnel, maintenance staff, and local suppliers all become part of the engine that keeps a data center running smoothly.

Applied Digital’s 100MW high-performance computing facility in Ellendale has drawn hundreds of workers to the area, providing jobs and spurring economic activity. For a rural town like Ellendale, these opportunities can reverse population declines, boost spending at local businesses, enable new business development, and empower the community to offer new services to residents and visitors. When Applied Digital first arrived, Ellendale had just one restaurant. Today, there are three thriving restaurants, with more businesses on the way. This growing economic momentum is paving the way for the development of essential services like childcare and healthcare, which will further enhance the quality of life for residents. Applied Digital’s presence has helped build a steady stream of income for residents, not just during construction but well into the facility’s operational life.

However, this partnership isn’t one-sided. For data centers to perform effectively, they require local support, whether through worker availability, infrastructure readiness, or vibrant communities that make these areas attractive to incoming talent. Applied Digital recognizes this mutual dependency and works to strengthen it.

Addressing Shared Challenges, Together

New developments bring both opportunities and challenges, and housing shortages often top the list for small towns experiencing growth. Applied Digital acted quickly to address this issue in Ellendale. Partnering with the State of North Dakota and the Bank of North Dakota, the company was the first participant in the Rural Workforce Initiative to Support Housing (R-WISH) program.

The result? Twenty new homes and a 35-unit apartment building, funded collaboratively by Applied Digital, the developer, the State of North Dakota, and the City of Ellendale. Beyond meeting Applied Digital’s immediate workforce needs, this collaboration is expected to spark further growth in Ellendale’s housing market. New residents bring the potential for positive ripple effects throughout the community. Increased school enrollment, a boost to local businesses as more people shop and dine nearby, and greater participation in events and volunteer initiatives are just some of the ways these new arrivals could contribute to the vibrancy of the town.

This alliance exemplifies how thoughtful development can address immediate business needs while paving the way for broader economic and social opportunities. By working together, Applied Digital and Ellendale are setting the stage for sustainable growth.

Strengthening Local Ties Through Community Enrichment

Economic benefits are vital, but a true partnership between companies and communities runs deeper. Applied Digital has worked to ensure that its presence in Ellendale is felt personally, not just economically, through initiatives that target what matters most to local residents.

For instance, Applied Digital supported the revitalization of Ellendale’s bowling alley, bringing updated equipment and turning it into a dual-purpose venue for both recreation and business events. They also host free Family Movie Nights at the American Legion, creating a space where families can gather and connect. Beyond entertainment, the company organized free holiday art activities at the school, bringing creativity and celebration to the town’s youngest residents.

Applied Digital's contributions extend to tangible improvements in public spaces and cultural landmarks. They donated dirt to enhance Ellendale’s park, supporting efforts to maintain green spaces for the community to enjoy. Additionally, the company lent its support to the historic Ellendale Opera House, recognizing the importance of preserving the town’s cultural heritage.

These data center community partnership efforts go beyond mere corporate responsibility. They reflect an understanding of the town’s needs and an intention to integrate into its social fabric. Residents respond in kind, creating a dynamic where the community and company grow together in ways that are supportive and sustainable.

Unlocking Potential Through Data Center Community Partnerships

Data centers are often portrayed as isolated hubs of technology, but Ellendale’s story paints a different picture. The relationships that Applied Digital has fostered show what’s possible when a company views its host community as a partner rather than a backdrop. From economic stability to enhanced public amenities, the changes have elevated life for residents and supported Applied Digital’s mission in equal measure.

The synergy between data centers and their communities offers more than just economic opportunity—it introduces a path for renewal in rural regions facing significant challenges. Advancements in farm technology, while remarkable, have led to shrinking rural populations as younger generations leave for college, often never returning due to limited career opportunities. This shift not only strains families but also impacts the social and economic fabric of small towns.

However, the presence of tech-driven industries like data centers has the potential to reverse this trend. By bringing industries of the future into these areas, they provide high-skill jobs and opportunities that encourage young people to remain or return to their hometowns. This revitalization stabilizes communities and positions them to thrive in a modern economy, ensuring a stronger future.

Through these partnerships, companies and rural communities create a foundation for shared and lasting growth. The benefits extend beyond short-term needs, fostering sustainable development that can support families, retain local talent, and inspire generations to invest in the places they call home. This dynamic shows how rural regions can not only adapt to change but also flourish alongside the rise of technology.

A Model for Shared Progress

Applied Digital’s data center community partnership in Ellendale is a blueprint for how mutual growth is achievable, proving that the shared future between data centers and communities can extend far beyond technology into the daily lives of the people who make it all possible.

Ready to learn more about how Applied Digital is powering connections and fostering community growth? Contact Applied Digital today, and let’s start building a partnership that creates a lasting impact—together.

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