Special Bonus Episode: Frederick County's Data Center Playbook

Following the response to The Briefing Room's energy series, we're revisiting one of the topics that generated the most listener interest: data centers.In this special bonus episode, Dom Butchko is joined by Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater to discuss why Frederick County has become one of Maryland's leaders in developing local data center policy. The conversation explores how the county approached zoning, public engagement, and long-term planning, while examining the lessons learned from neighboring jurisdictions and the importance of balancing economic opportunity with community priorities.Jessica also shares how Frederick County has strengthened its regulations over time, coordinated with state partners, and worked to ensure residents remain informed throughout the process. For county officials navigating similar conversations, the episode offers practical insights into developing thoughtful local policy in a rapidly evolving industry.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook