Examining Local Impacts of Disruptive National Industrial Policies

This project uses a case study research approach to investigate the extent to which two major industrial policy disruptions—the retreat from green industrial policy and the rapid expansion of data center development—materially affect (1) local economic development outcomes for clean energy projects, including data center–affiliated clean energy projects; (2) long-term local government interest in pursuing future green development initiatives; and (3) broader just transition goals, particularly at the intersection of clean energy, labor, and economic justice. The project is guided by the hypothesis that this disruptive policy environment has eroded trust and may reduce the willingness of local governments and communities to participate in future just transition initiatives, thereby undermining their economic and infrastructural preparedness for a low-carbon future.

Sika Gadzanku

Student Advisory Council Member

Sika Gadzanku is a PhD student in the Weitzman School of Design’s City and Regional Planning program. She is a Kleinman Center Student Advisory Council Member.

Jamaal Green

Assistant Professor, City and Regional Planning

Jamaal Green is an assistant professor of city and regional planning. He is a planner and geographer interested in the ways that the organization of our built environments exacerbate or inhibit social inequality.

Meet Our Researchers