Building a stronger,
more connected Texas.
About TFA
Guiding responsible growth across Texas.
Texas First Alliance is committed to keeping Texas the nation's leader in business, innovation, and opportunity through digital infrastructure, workforce development, advanced technology, and a competitive tax and regulatory environment for our citizens, small businesses and entrepreneurs.
We work alongside
- Communities
- Local business, economic development, and civic leaders
- Technology companies, data center developers, operators, and supply chain
- Utilities and energy providers
- Higher education, technical, and trade institutions
- Policy and Regulation
- Advocacy
- Media
- Alliances
- Economic Development
- Stakeholder and Community Engagement
Why digital infrastructure matters
The everyday services Texans rely on run on data infrastructure.
Digital infrastructure powers many of the services Texans rely on every day—from healthcare, financial services, and education to business operations, communications, cloud services, and emergency response.
Healthcare and Emergency Services
From patient care to emergency response, digital infrastructure helps support the critical services Texans rely on most.
National Security & Public Safety
Advanced computing, AI, energy, and digital infrastructure are becoming increasingly important to America's economic competitiveness, technological leadership, and national security.
Education
Classroom platforms, research tools, and student services connect to cloud services every day.
Everyday Technology
Digital infrastructure for streaming, messaging, video calls, online shopping, and the digital services that keep us connected.
Financial Services
Secure transactions, fraud protection, and mobile banking move through resilient data infrastructure.
Business & Cloud Services
The tools all businesses need to run—from email to daily operations—live in data centers.
Infrastructure explained
Clear, balanced information for Texans.
How Data Centers Work
Data centers are the facilities that help keep our digital lives running. They store and move the information behind everyday services like websites, apps, cloud platforms, online banking, healthcare systems, video calls, and streaming.
- Servers process and store digital information around the clock.
- High-speed networks help connect people, businesses, and services.
- Backup systems help keep important services running if equipment fails.
- Security systems protect the technology and information inside.
Energy Efficiency Advances
Modern data centers have become significantly more energy-efficient over the past decade. Advances in cooling, equipment design, and power management allow today’s facilities to support more computing power while using energy more effectively.
- Advanced cooling technologies improve efficiency.
- New equipment can process more information using less energy.
- Many operators invest in renewable energy and cleaner power sources.
- Ongoing innovation continues to reduce the energy needed to support digital services.
Water Management
Water stewardship is an important consideration in Texas, and modern data centers are using innovative technologies to improve efficiency and reduce water consumption.
- Advanced cooling systems reduce water use.
- Closed-loop systems recycle and reuse water.
- New technologies minimize water loss.
- Site selection considers local water resources.
AI Infrastructure
As artificial intelligence becomes more widely used, the need for advanced computing infrastructure continues to grow.
- AI requires more computing power than many traditional digital services.
- Businesses, schools, hospitals, and researchers increasingly rely on AI-powered tools.
- Texas continues to attract investment in the infrastructure needed to support innovation and emerging technologies.
- Modern digital infrastructure helps keep Texas competitive in a rapidly evolving economy.
Community-Conscious Planning
Where data centers are built matters. Responsible development starts with thoughtful planning, community engagement, and coordination with local leaders to help ensure projects fit the needs of the surrounding area.
- Locations are selected based on infrastructure availability, access to utilities, and long-term planning considerations.
- Community input helps identify questions and concerns early in the process.
- Local governments play an important role in reviewing and guiding development.
- Planning processes continue to evolve as Texas communities grow and technology needs change.
Key questions
Honest answers to the questions Texans ask.
We believe informed communities make better decisions. Here are straight answers to the most common questions about data centers in Texas.
Data centers support many of the digital services Texans use every day, from online banking and healthcare to streaming, video calls, online shopping, navigation apps, and cloud-based services. As more of our daily lives, businesses, and public services rely on technology, the need for reliable digital infrastructure continues to grow.
Without continued investment in digital infrastructure, Texans could experience slower access to digital services, fewer opportunities for technology-driven jobs and investment, and reduced capacity to support the growing needs of businesses, schools, hospitals, and communities.
Data centers are part of the infrastructure supporting the modern economy, helping power healthcare, education, banking, communications, cloud services, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. As Texas continues to attract investment, businesses, and new residents, demand for reliable electricity is growing across many sectors. Texas has long been a leader in energy production and infrastructure development, and continued investment in generation, transmission, and grid modernization can help support reliable power, economic growth, and technological innovation for years to come. Electricity prices are influenced by many factors, but Texas’ commitment to energy infrastructure has helped position the state to meet the needs of a growing economy.
Modern data centers are becoming more water-efficient through use of advanced cooling systems, including closed-loop and air-cooled technologies, that can significantly reduce water consumption compared to traditional methods. Operators are also increasingly incorporating recycled and reclaimed water to improve efficiency and reduce demand on local resources.
Data centers create jobs during both construction and operations. Large projects can support hundreds of construction workers and skilled trades during development, while ongoing operations typically employ technicians, engineers, security personnel, and facility managers. Data centers can also support local suppliers, service providers, and additional business investment in surrounding communities.
News & events
Data centers in the news.
Stay current on how Texas communities, lawmakers, and businesses are engaging with data infrastructure policy.
Join TFA
Stand with Texans building the state's digital future.
Texas First Alliance members shape the policies, narratives, and community relationships that determine how digital infrastructure grows across our state.