Prince William County is navigating challenges as it seeks to balance the growing demand for data centers with its aspirations for technological innovation and education, particularly around the George Mason University SciTech Campus.
This dynamic was discussed at the Prince William Board of County Supervisors meeting on September 10, when leaders and stakeholders expressed concerns over how the expansion of data centers could impact the county’s economic growth potential, particularly at the college’s Innovation District, outside Manassas.
The Innovation District, centered around George Mason University’s SciTech Campus, has been envisioned as a hub for cutting-edge technology, research, and educational initiatives. George Mason University, a key driver of this concept, has fostered partnerships to create opportunities for businesses, researchers, and students, leveraging the resources available at the SciTech Campus to drive economic growth.
However, the rapid expansion of data centers in Prince William County has raised concerns that this technological infrastructure could hinder the broader vision of innovation. While data centers bring substantial revenue to the county, they also come with challenges, including land use concerns and strain on resources such as power. The county is now facing pressure to balance these economic benefits with the long-term potential of its innovation ecosystem.
The Innovation District aims to attract diverse industries and technology startups. The proximity of data centers to this district has raised concerns that these facilities could encroach on land that could be better used for innovation and education-based growth. In addition, data centers require vast amounts of energy, which could strain the local infrastructure and limit the resources available for other developments.
Data Centers have surrounded the SciTech Campus, off Prince William Parkway and University Boulevard near Manassas, operated by tech giants like QTS Data Centers, and more are slated for development.
George Mason University has expressed interest in ensuring that the SciTech Campus and the surrounding Innovation District remain aligned with the university’s mission to foster technological innovation, education, and research. The university is particularly concerned about protecting areas around the campus to ensure that future development supports its goals of creating an ecosystem for nano-fabrication, forensic science, and other advanced research fields.
Prince William County officials have acknowledged these concerns and are exploring ways to balance the county’s growing data center industry with the need to preserve land for educational and innovative purposes.
County staff has been directed to expedite the review of the boundaries of the current Data Center Overlay District, especially near the Innovation District and George Mason University’s SciTech Campus. This review aims to prevent the encroachment of data centers on land that could be used for innovation and educational purposes.
A consultant will be brought on board later this year to conduct a broader analysis of the overlay district boundaries. Recommendations for further adjustments are expected by November 2025. The consultant’s role will also include identifying additional areas for possible removal from the overlay district to protect the integrity of the Innovation District.
Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy highlighted the data center industry’s pressures on the SciTech Campus.
“We are right there at the precipice of reaching that tipping point of this thing turning into fantastic economic growth. And I looked at the map that is of the Innovation District. Over half of it is data centers,” said Gordy. “We are squeezing out this other economic engine called the SciTech Campus and the potential for nano-fabrication, forensics, and all the other activities that are there on the campus.”
Board Chair Deshundra Jefferson emphasized the need to balance development.”We have to do what we can to protect communities…incentivizing other activities in the Innovation Park. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Data centers have helped us bring more revenue, but there have been unintended consequences,” she said.
Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye expressed concerns about economic diversity. “We are putting too many eggs in one basket, and we are losing other types of robust, diverse economic activity,” he said.
Overall, leaders say the review could lead to changes that protect key areas of the Innovation District from data center development while still allowing for economic growth in other parts of the county. Officials also consider incentives to encourage diverse industries to invest in the Innovation District.
