Charlie Berens Launched Build Wisconsin Better
The new nonpartisan organization will help communities navigate the development of hyperscale data centers.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Data Centers
Live Poll
Do you believe local communities should have more control over data center development in their area?
Charlie Berens has officially launched Build Wisconsin Better, a nonpartisan group focused on state advocacy. The organization aims to support Wisconsin communities as they navigate the complexities of massive hyperscale data centers.
Why it matters
The organization addresses increasing concerns regarding the intersection of artificial intelligence and the construction of massive data center projects. It provides advocacy for local areas facing rapid industrial development from Big Tech.
The initiative specifically targets the infrastructure requirements of hyperscale data centers needed to support artificial intelligence. The organization provides resources to help local stakeholders manage these large-scale technical deployments.
The players
Charlie Berens
He is the founder of the nonpartisan organization Build Wisconsin Better.
Build Wisconsin Better
This is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to assisting Wisconsin communities with the development of hyperscale data centers.
The details
Build Wisconsin Better provides local communities with the advocacy and navigational tools needed to manage potential Big Tech developments. The effort centers on the challenges posed by the rapid expansion of hyperscale data centers across the state.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: Charlie Berens launched Build Wisconsin Better.
The Tech Race
The launch of Build Wisconsin Better represents a formal attempt to increase local oversight of the rapid expansion of hyperscale data centers in the Midwest. This move mirrors a broader industry shift toward intensified local scrutiny of how hyperscale facilities impact regional land use and utility demands.
Residents in areas facing potential data center construction can utilize the group to access resources and advocacy regarding local land use. The organization provides a mechanism for citizens to participate in the oversight of large-scale technical projects that may affect their local environment.
The takeaway
The formation of this group highlights how local advocacy is evolving to keep pace with the massive energy and physical footprints of modern AI infrastructure. Residents should stay informed about town hall meetings and zoning hearings regarding industrial projects in their own communities.
Further reading
Learn more about the infrastructure trends impacting the region in our Data Centers section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTMJ.
Live Poll
Do you believe local communities should have more control over data center development in their area?
