A Financial Model to Ensure Rural America's Economic Empowerment in the AI Age

Executive Summary

Historically, limited access to energy and hardware has been the most significant constraint on America's AI buildout. But in 2026, a new and arguably more severe bottleneck has emerged: state and local politics. According to Gallup, more Americans today would favor a nuclear power plant being built in their area than a data center. Meanwhile, the number of local data center moratoria has skyrocketed, from 6 in 2024 to 294 in 2026.

Industry and state economic development offices have responded to rising opposition by highlighting job creation and tax receipts. But many residents remain unconvinced. Today, 73% of Americans believe the costs of the buildout outweigh its benefits. And when asked who will gain the most from AI at work, they name business owners and executives over workers by roughly eight to one.

The concern shared by many in America's heartland is that the AI revolution is either leaving them behind or does not stand to benefit them or their families. Beyond the blue-collar job creation that is already taking place, additional policy is therefore needed to ensure the economic empowerment of rural Americans in the age of AI. To that end, this paper proposes data center dividends.

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