Join

Worried About Data Centers in Stafford? Group Hosts Info Session May 13 at Porter Library

NORTH STAFFORD, Va. – A local community group concerned about the rapid spread of data centers in Stafford County is inviting residents to learn more at a public meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Porter Branch Library, 2001 Parkway Blvd., Stafford.

The meeting, hosted by Protect Stafford, comes at a time when communities across Virginia are questioning the true costs and benefits of data center expansion. Just last week, Manassas city officials learned a bank tenant inside a data center managed to sidestep millions of dollars in expected local tax payments, leaving a gap in the city’s budget and raising red flags for other localities facing similar projects.

Protect Stafford hopes to get ahead of those concerns by educating residents about recent data center approvals in Stafford County, including the Stafford Technology Campus, a 504-acre site planned for 23 buildings and six substations, and Amazon’s Potomac Church Tech Center, which includes two buildings and a $7 million investment in local infrastructure.

Group founder Erin Sanzero says the meeting will explain how these projects could reshape Stafford’s land use, environment, energy grid, and tax base. Dominion Energy has already announced rate hikes averaging $252 per year by 2027, driven in part by the infrastructure needed to power these massive facilities.

Sanzero warns that without community involvement, Stafford could face similar budget surprises as Manassas, where promised data center revenues are now in doubt. She emphasized that Protect Stafford is not anti-growth but wants to ensure residents have a voice in how these projects move forward.

The meeting is free and open to the public. More details are available at protectstafford.com.

We’re Going Live on Facebook the Next Day to Dig Even Deeper

The conversation continues the next day on Facebook Live as we look at what happened in Manassas and what it means for Virginia’s future. As we first reported, a bank leased computer servers at the newly built data center. Now, the city will lose millions of anticipated tax revenue, as the bank is exempt from paying specific taxes.

Join us LIVE at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, as we sit down with city leaders to unpack:

  • How Manassas lost millions in expected data center taxes
  • What does it mean for future city budgets and services
  • Statewide implications for communities like Stafford
  • Possible policy or zoning changes to prevent future loopholes

? Save the date and watch live on Facebook at 3 p.m. on Wednesday!

Catch up on the full story before the broadcast:
City officials caught off guard as bank tenant sidesteps millions in data center taxes

Recent Stories

Mayor Derrick R. Wood outlined a bold and hopeful vision for the future of Dumfries during his annual State of the Town Address on June 5, 2025.

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County has quietly ended its contract with PulsePoint, a mobile app that alerts nearby users when someone in a public space is experiencing cardiac arrest and may need CPR. The decision marks the conclusion of an eight-year relationship with the public safety technology.

Stafford County Public Schools is moving ahead with plans to eliminate artificial food dyes from school meals, following the signing of a new state law that will ban certain synthetic color additives by 2027.

On the last weekend in May, most Stafford families were abuzz with the excitement of summer’s arrival. The Allwine family was abuzz with excitement over the annual AA Farm Honey harvest.

Looking for art opportunities in the DMV? ArtsFairfax.org is your online destination to find and promote artist calls in and around Fairfax. Our Artist Calls directory is always free to use and highlights opportunities to audition, exhibit artwork, or secure commissions. Be sure to check out ArtsFairfax Artist Calls on an ongoing basis – new opportunities are added every week.

In addition to a dozen or so Artist Calls from throughout the region, ArtsFairfax is proud to host the following:

Fairfax250 RV Wrap

For illustrators, visual artists, and graphic designers, we are working with the Fairfax250 Commission to wrap a 37’-long RV that will travel to hundreds of events across Fairfax County. A signage company will handle the installation – all we need is the design. See your art on this rolling billboard all year long!

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

On June 20th, 2025, Woodbridge Rotary Club will be holding our 21st annual charity golf tournament. This tournament is in memory of two of our past Presidents and valued members of the community. Joe Devaney passed away March 22, 2005 and a few years ago, Bill O’Hop passed away barely a week after playing in this tournament in 2015. Both Joe and Bill were each other’s best friends and they both loved golf! Please help us pay tribute to our dear friends by participating in this tournament and helping us to support our local and international charities. If you are interested in golfing, sponsoring, donating a door prize and/or know someone who is, please contact us (Mark Worrilow [email protected] or 703-244-8702). Signing up is also possible using the QR code.

Submit your own Community Post here.

Your Weight Matters National Convention

Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.

This unique Convention truly has something

Van Metre 5K Run

Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has

×

Subscribe to our mailing list