The Decision Tool provides Iowa's local governments and community leaders with a practical framework for evaluating proposed data center projects and has garnered attention from the CBJ, KCRG, and IPR.
Monday, August 17, 2026

Written by: Gloria Kosir

The Iowa Data Center Decision Tool, developed by the College of Law’s Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative (HELI) and the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business Social Impact Community, was featured in several news outlets.

The Decision Tool provides a practical framework for evaluating proposed data center projects by identifying objective questions to evaluate potential benefits and impacts. The Corridor Business Journal published an article announcing the Decision Tool’s release and data center development proposals within Iowa. Similarly, KCRG reported on the launch of the Decision Tool.

Jennifer Terry, director of HELI, and Amy Colbert, faculty director of the Social Impact Community, were also featured on Iowa Public Radio’s River to River. The duo discussed how the Decision Tool was created, how it can be used, and what Terry and Colbert envision for the project in the future.

For more information on the Iowa Data Center Decision Tool, visit the HELI website.