AI technology advancement is becoming a larger conversation in places like Onondaga County. (© 2026 Katie Jamroga)
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — As companies like Micron and other technology companies make their way into Central New York, Onondaga County has begun evaluating whether more AI data centers are feasible in the community.
Onondaga County has invested around $500,000 to investigate this question. County Executive Ryan McMahon’s Data Center Investigative Task Force has used the funding to study potential impacts of these possible data centers. These impacts include potential environmental risks, infrastructure logistics and community concerns. Central New York citizens have begun to recognize some of these issues that come with the possible introduction of AI into the region.
“I get the economic perspective, but the arguments against them are largely related to the environment, the need for the amount of energy they require. So I definitely have environmental concerns,” said Chris, a Central New York resident who declined to share his last name.
In response to these public narratives surrounding AI, experts have ideas about how local governments can clearly communicate their plans with their citizens in a way that may ease these concerns.
“For Onondaga County, before they actually put in a data center, you need to get citizens of the community broader dialogue upfront,” said Lee McKnight, an associate professor in the Syracuse University School of Information Studies.
AI presence has become increasingly embedded into modern life. McKnight added that especially since AI will not be going away anytime soon, how Onondaga County interacts with its citizens moving forward will be critical to gaining their trust on the matter of building new data centers.
AUDIO TRANSCRIPT: AI Data Center Wrap
Anchor: Onondaga County is taking the next step into evaluating whether the incorporation of more AI into the community is a feasible idea. Reporter Katie Jamroga tells us how citizens are reacting and how one professor thinks the county should handle this issue.
Jamroga: About five hundred thousand dollars have been spent by Onondaga County in a pivotal AI study. The study’s purpose? To examine environmental impacts, infrastructure logistics, and other concerns of building new AI data centers in the area. Central New York citizens like Chris, who declined to share his last name, recognize some of the issues of introducing AI into the region.
Chris: “I get the economic perspective, but the arguments against them are largely related to the environment, the need for the amount of energy they require. So I definitely have environmental concerns,” said Chris.
Jamroga: Lee McKnight is an associate professor in the Syracuse University School of Information Studies and the director of the school’s AI Blockchain. He says the key to getting citizens on board with more data centers is clear communication and understanding of the project’s actual goals.
Lee McKnight: “For Onondaga County, before they actually put in a data center, you need to get citizens of the community broader dialogue upfront,” said McKnight.
Jamroga: Moving forward, McKnight adds that AI will not be going away, but how Onondaga County interacts with its citizens on the matter will be crucial to gaining their trust. In Syracuse, I’m Katie Jamroga, NCC News.