GYEDC says data centers are not a target industry

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation (GYEDC) said it is not actively recruiting data centers to Yuma County.

Greg LaVann, President and CEO of GYEDC, told the Yuma County Board of Supervisors this week that the organization has not taken a position on data centers.

"I know there's a lot of conjecture and misinformation out there about the industry, about what my organization is doing," LaVann said.

LaVann said GYEDC is instead gathering information about the industry and sharing it with local governments so they can decide whether data center development is something they want in their communities.

"We do not actively recruit them. We do not actively market towards them," LaVann said.

He said GYEDC takes the same approach with other industries considering Yuma County, looking at the potential costs and benefits before sharing that information with local governments.

The clarification comes as data centers continue to be discussed in Yuma County, with residents raising questions about what the industry could mean for the community.