The Data Center Dialogue: A Community Town Hall on AI Infrastructure

This event will be held in person only.

Data centers are the essential engines powering the AI revolution and driving massive societal advancements, but they also present undeniable challenges to our local energy grids, water supplies, and communities. The Austin Forum’s presentation on July 7 covered the technologies, costs, resource demands, and impacts of data centers–and the number of questions for the panel was far more than could be addressed. The event also generated lots more discussion on LinkedIn by participants and by professionals from Austin and beyond. The topic clearly deserves much more discussion, so please join us on August 19 for a followup event to share more, ask more, learn more, and ideate more.

Most importantly, this event will shift the spotlight from the panel to the public. We are hosting an extended, moderated town hall designed for community members, tech leaders, policymakers, and environmental advocates to come together to share and learn more. Whether you want to voice a personal or societal concern, share a real-world AI success story, ask a pressing question, or propose a concrete solution, this is your platform. We will confront the tough realities while celebrating the positive impacts AI is already delivering—all in a structured, productive format.

Come prepared to participate across four key areas:

• Success Stories & Positive Impacts: Share how AI tools—enabled by data centers—are already improving your business, healthcare, education, or daily life.
• Real Concerns: Voice your personal, local, or global anxieties regarding grid reliability, water usage, land development, or societal shifts.
• Burning Questions: Get direct answers from peers and experts on the numbers, timelines, and technologies shaping our infrastructure.
• Constructive Suggestions: Offer ideas on how Austin and the broader tech ecosystem can better balance the demand for computing power with responsible stewardship of our resources.

Join us to explore how AI data centers shape our future—from careers and corporate policy to voting and sustainability. Bring your insights, concerns, and ideas to this essential conversation. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of the current landscape, actionable resources, and new strategies to share within your community and organization.

The discussion doesn’t end when the panel wraps up. Join us immediately following the presentation for post-event networking and continued conversation at Remedy, located at 3rd & Nueces, for ongoing discussion and networking. Connect with fellow attendees, swap insights from the event, and enjoy a complimentary drink on us, thanks to our amazing Austin Forum Annual Partners, Champions, and Friends.

Attendance Instructions

In-person

Join us at The Center for Government and Civic Service, ACC Rio Grande: Building 3000 where you will be checked in at the front. Parking map !