Community Accountability Network

Tag: Series

  • Halfway Through the Series — A Note to Readers

    Series: The Richland Parish Data Center: Truth, Rumor, and the Record

    I want to start by thanking everyone who has taken the time to read, share, and engage with this series so far. I know it’s long, detailed, and not always easy information, and I truly appreciate the people who have stuck with me through it.

    I’ve been thinking a lot about how different this conversation could look if communities were given real, transparent research before major projects were approved. Not to stop growth, but to understand it. When decisions affect jobs, housing, utilities, and quality of life, people deserve more than headlines and promises.

    As part of this work, I’m also looking into interests connected to the project, including political ties, and asking why more of that information wasn’t shared publicly from the start. This isn’t about accusations. It’s about understanding who benefits, how decisions are made, and why transparency often comes after the fact instead of before.

    There is a lot more to come. I believe the public deserves to be informed, included, and respected in conversations that shape our communities. My goal is to keep asking questions, sharing what I find, and making sure this information is accessible to everyone, not just a few people behind closed doors.

    After this series is over, you can look for my next series on bipartisan political corruption: Beyond Party Loyalty. I’ve been digging deep into NELA records and am excited to share with you who’s doing it right — and who isn’t. If you find yourself to be loyal to a politician because of the party they represent, this series may not be for you. But if you’re ready to give credit where credit is due and hold those responsible regardless of their affiliation, I invite you to join me on this eye-opening journey.

  • Part 3 — After the Whistle

    Series: The Richland Parish Data Center: Truth, Rumor & The Record

    Meta’s multi-billion AI-focused data center in Richland Parish is one of the largest private investments Louisiana has ever seen and one of Meta’s largest data centers in the world. It promises jobs, infrastructure improvements, and economic momentum. But beyond the big numbers, many people are asking a practical question: what does this actually mean for the people who live here, both now and after construction ends?

    Today I’m breaking down the negative and the positive — it’s going to be a long one but stay with me.

    Jobs and Local Investment

    The construction phase is currently driving much of the economic activity. More than 3,700 workers are employed on site, with that number expected to peak near 5,000 within the year. Once the facility is operational, the workforce drops significantly to about 500 permanent jobs in specialized areas like IT, electrical work, engineering, security, and facilities management.

    In addition to direct employment, state estimates suggest more than 1,000 indirect jobs could be supported through logistics, retail, hospitality, and service industries. Meta and its contractors have already spent over $875 million with Louisiana businesses, benefiting more than 160 local companies. The project has also led to more than $300 million in infrastructure upgrades, including roads, water systems, and wastewater improvements that will remain long after construction is complete.

    The Ripple Effect on Small Businesses

    Even when large national firms win major contracts, they rarely do all the work alone. Local electricians, plumbers, HVAC companies, material suppliers, restaurants, hotels, and service providers often see increased demand as large contractors subcontract portions of the work and workers spend money locally. Many small businesses gain not only income, but experience and credibility that can help them secure future contracts.

    That ripple effect is strongest during construction. The goal is to turn short-term demand into long-term opportunity.

    Communities across the country that have hosted large data centers offer a useful comparison. In places like Northern Virginia, Ohio, and parts of Texas, data centers brought short-term construction booms, higher tax bases, and infrastructure upgrades, along with long-term, high-paying technical jobs. At the same time, many of those communities also experienced sharp drop-offs in employment once construction ended, housing pressure during peak build years, and ongoing concerns about energy use and utility costs. National studies consistently show that while data centers can anchor economic growth, the benefits last longest in communities that invest in workforce training, housing planning, and economic diversification rather than relying on the facility alone. Where those investments were missing, growth tended to plateau once the initial boom passed.

    Housing and Population Pressure

    Thousands of workers need places to live, and communities often respond by building new homes, expanding rentals, or converting short-term housing to accommodate them. That activity can be good for builders and property owners, but it also comes with risk.

    Construction workers are temporary by nature. Many will leave once the project is complete. If too much housing is built too quickly, the community could be left with empty homes and declining rental demand. If too little housing is built, prices can rise and push out long-term residents. Thoughtful planning is critical so housing growth matches the population that remains after construction ends.

    Utilities, Infrastructure, and Long-Term Costs

    Data centers require significant electricity and water. To support this project, power generation, transmission, roads, and utility systems are being expanded. These upgrades can benefit the broader community, but they also raise important questions about long-term maintenance and cost sharing. Communities elsewhere have learned that without careful planning, residents and small businesses can end up absorbing higher utility or infrastructure costs once construction slows. Later in the series we will take a closer look at the utility usages and risks.

    Taxes and Public Revenue

    Meta received tax incentives to locate in Richland Parish, which helped secure a major investment and infrastructure commitments. In the short term, that means less direct tax revenue from the company itself. However, contractors, workers, and supporting businesses generate income, sales, and property taxes that help fund schools, roads, and local services.

    Much of this revenue peaks during construction. Whether those benefits last depends on whether workers settle here permanently and whether local businesses are positioned to continue growing once the project is complete.

    A Parish Already Facing Population Decline

    This project arrives at a time when Richland Parish has been losing population for years. The parish had about 20,725 residents in 2010. By 2020, that number dropped to just over 20,000, and current estimates place it under 19,700. This investment presents a real chance to slow or reverse that trend, but only if people choose to stay.

    If families settle here, schools could see higher enrollment and increased funding. Local businesses could gain steady customers. If most workers leave, the parish risks returning to the same challenges it faced before construction began.

    How Residents Can Help Make the Benefits Last

    Large projects do not automatically create lasting prosperity. Communities that benefit long-term are the ones that engage early and stay involved.

    Residents can take advantage of this moment by supporting workforce training and certification programs that help locals qualify for permanent jobs. Small business owners can position themselves for subcontracting opportunities and future projects by building relationships now. Community members can advocate for housing, school funding, and infrastructure planning that reflects long-term population needs rather than short-term peaks. Encouraging economic diversification and quality-of-life investments helps ensure the parish is not dependent on a single employer.

    Most importantly, staying informed and involved gives residents a voice in how growth happens and who it benefits.

    The Bottom Line

    The Meta data center is not a guarantee of success or failure for Richland Parish. It is a chance. Whether this moment leads to sustainable growth or a short-lived boom depends on planning, participation, and long-term thinking.

    In the next article, we will take a closer look at the environmental effects of large data centers, including energy use, water demand, and how those impacts can affect rural communities like ours.

  • Part 2 — The Labor Yard

    Series: The Richland Parish Data Center: Rumor, Fact, and the Record

    As construction continues on the Meta data center in Richland Parish, the project has become a magnet for speculation. Some residents believe outsiders are taking all the jobs. Others insist locals were never meant to benefit at all. Meanwhile, some are already seeing opportunities roll in.

    To better understand what is real and what is rumor, I sat down with local business owners, residents, and on-site workers and reviewed publicly available data and documented programs. What I found was far more complex and far less conspiratorial than online discourse suggests.

    Local Businesses Feeling the Strain

    My first stop was Opal’s, a local food truck owned by Logan and Katie. After ordering a to-die-for chicken sandwich, we got down to business. They shared that while they were initially excited about the data center, they now feel left behind by the multi-billion-dollar project.

    When they first learned about the development, they believed their best option was to invest their life savings into a food truck and serve the community through the transition. Katie explained that business was strong when they first opened, but since Thanksgiving, constant road closures have reduced their daily customers from roughly 100 to around 30.

    You will find Opal’s parked about a mile from the main data center. When asked why they are not located in the food truck park, Katie answered immediately, saying it costs $2,500 per month. That price does not include water. For a new small business, it is simply not feasible. While other locations exist, they said they have been priced out of all of them.

    Their frustration deepened when they learned that food trucks are reportedly operating inside the construction site itself and catering directly to crews. Despite repeated attempts, they have been unable to even get a call back about similar opportunities. Katie shared that she was initially told locals would be among the first included, but now feels that outside businesses are being given exclusive access.

    Beyond business concerns, they are also worried about changes to their neighborhood. They live on a dead-end road where their children have always been able to play freely, surrounded by only a few neighbors. Now, plans are underway to install a mobile home and RV park with at least 700 lots to house workers. They worry about the sudden influx of new residents and how it will impact their sense of safety and community.

    Despite these challenges, Logan and Katie are committed to staying. Logan shared that he felt almost forced out of farming, his previous livelihood. There was no preparation period, only the sudden appearance of construction lights and the need to scramble for a backup plan. He expressed that he is willing to adapt but wishes there had been more transparency from local leadership so families like his could plan instead of react.

    Contractors Finding Opportunity

    As we finished our meal, several construction workers arrived to order lunch. Their trucks belonged to Holy Dippers, a local plumbing and septic company contracted for the project. Larry Ezell explained that the company owner was simply in the right place at the right time, meeting the right contractor who offered an opportunity.

    The company expanded quickly to meet project demands. Larry said they have offered jobs to locals, but many declined because they did not want to work the required hours. He emphasized that the work is there for those willing to commit. His crew expressed gratitude for the opportunity and optimism about future phases of the project, even knowing the current contract will not last forever.

    A Local Success Story

    Next, I visited Holy Tacos in Rayville, a taco truck that has since become a permanent location. Owner Tim Allen, who also serves as a local children’s minister, shared a very different experience. Tim has a recurring catering contract with Meta, often serving more than 1,500 tacos at a time.

    He repeatedly expressed gratitude for the project, explaining that it allowed his family to stay together and remain rooted in Richland Parish. His business is entirely run by himself, his wife, and their children. He believes the data center created opportunities that previously did not exist for his kids in the local job market.

    Tim encouraged residents to find ways to adapt rather than resist the changes. He acknowledged that fear of the unknown is natural, but believes there is space for locals to succeed if they are willing to find where they fit. While sympathetic to those living closest to the construction, he remains optimistic about the growth and future business development the project will bring.

    If nothing else, one clear benefit has emerged. The tacos are excellent.

    Understanding the Workforce Reality

    After hearing such mixed experiences, I wanted to better understand employment realities for locals who cannot afford to start a business to adapt. I spoke with a group of on-site workers who had traveled from out of state.

    They were grateful for the opportunity but admitted they missed home. Travel, they explained, is simply part of the job for skilled laborers. According to them, there were not enough local workers with the required training to support a project of this scale. One worker noted that hiring locals would be far more cost-effective for employers, as lodging and per diem expenses are substantial.

    They emphasized that their work requires specialized training and is not general labor. The group encouraged locals to consider trade school, stating that there is enough work for everyone willing to adjust to demanding schedules.

    Training Programs and Economic Data

    While I could not independently verify every claim shared with me, multiple locals referenced a trade school program offered through Louisiana Delta Community College, which includes stipends for Richland Parish residents and job opportunities upon completion. I also learned of several job fairs hosted in the parish, though specific hiring outcomes were not available.

    What can be verified is that large industrial projects often rely on a combination of local labor, regional contractors, and specialized out-of-state workers, particularly during peak construction.

    In January 2026, Louisiana Delta Community College launched a Data Center Technician Program designed to prepare local residents for long-term technical roles tied to data center operations. These positions offer starting wages between $18 and $24 per hour, with advancement opportunities as the facility transitions into full operation.

    Meta has also invested earlier in workforce development. The company donated $50,000 to Richland Parish Public Schools to support technology and STEAM education, including mixed-reality tools meant to introduce students to technical career paths before graduation.

    According to Louisiana Economic Development, Meta has contracted more than $875 million with Louisiana companies, with 84 percent of those businesses located in Northeast Louisiana. These contracts span construction, logistics, food services, and maintenance.

    Hiring is not centralized solely through Meta. Locals can apply through the Richland Parish Data Center hiring portal or directly with major contractors such as DPR Construction, Turner Construction, and Mortenson. State-administered workforce programs also exist to support training and credentialing for high-demand industries and are commonly used for large infrastructure projects statewide.

    Looking Ahead

    From what I have seen, opportunity does exist for those willing and able to pursue it. That reality does not diminish the struggles many locals are facing. Adjustment periods are real, and not everyone can pivot at the same pace. However, additional business growth is expected to follow, creating new opportunities beyond the data center itself.

    In a meeting with Mayor Ellis, he expressed strong support for the project, stating that when one parish wins, the region benefits. While Monroe has historically served as the labor hub for North Louisiana, Richland Parish is now contributing jobs that support surrounding communities as well.

    Next, I will take a closer look at additional job growth expected outside of the data center and the broader economic ripple effects this transition may bring.

  • Part 1 — The Rumor Mill

    Series: The Richland Parish Data Center: Rumor, Fact, and the Record

    Looking into the data center in Richland Parish felt like an obvious story, though not for the reasons I first expected. Initially, I was interested in the function of the facility itself and how it worked. A project of this scale is unlike anything our region has seen before.

    As I began listening to the community, however, the story shifted. Again and again, regardless of the specific concern, the message was the same: people do not feel like they have clear answers about what is happening in their own community.

    Land owned by families for generations appeared to sell almost overnight. What was once a small, rural area suddenly became the site of a projected ten-billion-dollar project. Many locals say it felt like it happened without warning. When something this large arrives with unanswered questions, the rumor mill begins turning, and once it does, it is hard to stop.

    This series exists for one simple reason: to separate rumor from fact, concern from speculation, and to share information that can actually be verified, especially at a time when local news coverage on this topic has largely gone quiet.

    Over the past several weeks, I have heard a wide range of concerns from residents. These include questions about job opportunities for locals, water supply and electric costs, economic impacts, long-term health and environmental effects, transparency in the approval and communication process, who ultimately benefits from this data center, and yes, even rumors about immigration and who is working on site.

    In this series, nothing is off limits.

    I am starting with the immigration rumor, not because it is the most important concern, but because it is the easiest to verify.

    Speculation spread rapidly on social media after headlines surfaced about the detention of multiple contracted workers during a traffic stop. While some residents openly supported the arrests, others were left fearful and unsure of what might happen next. What stood out most was how quickly the community began turning on itself, defending deeply held beliefs based on information that had not yet been verified.

    Over the past few weeks, I have spoken directly with immigrant workers from the data center site. Some were aware of the rumors circulating online, while others were not. The message I heard consistently was this: while immigration tensions are high across the country, they are legal workers and want to be recognized as such.

    Several expressed concern about potential racial profiling and asked that people not make assumptions about their legal status, but instead treat them as human beings. Others were understanding of local fears. One worker told me he did not blame residents for worrying about job opportunities, while also explaining that he was brought in on a work visa because his role required specialized skills that were not readily available at the time.

    One thing everyone I spoke with agreed on is that there are no immigration raids happening at the data center.

    When speaking with local residents, I found that most were not hostile toward migrant workers. Many admitted, however, that they were afraid of the unknown, particularly when it came to background and safety. As one local put it, it was simply the fear of not knowing.

    There is a clear irony here. Both sides are operating from fear. Fear of safety, fear of the unknown, and fear of displacement. The fears differ, but the root is the same. In reality, the solution is also the same: access to clear information and a willingness to see one another as part of the same community.

    Despite what social media rumors might suggest, what you will actually find at the data center are locals and migrant workers sharing lunch, lending each other a hand, and joking together to get through long days on the job.

    That brings us to the next and far more complex question many residents are asking: who is actually getting these jobs? In the next part of this series, I will take a closer look at job opportunities for locals, what positions are being filled, and where the workforce is truly coming from.

  • Clarifying the Facts: The Meta Data Center in Richland Parish

    Series: The Richland Parish Data Center: Rumor, Fact, and the Record

    There has been growing discussion and growing frustration around the Meta data center being built in Richland Parish. Early on, many in the community were optimistic about jobs and economic growth. More recently, concerns and questions have taken center stage.

    This post is not for or against the project. It is meant to separate verified facts from speculation and clearly explain what is known, what is promised, and what is still being debated. As always — my goal is to share neutral information that is not motivated by any political or personal opinion.

    Verified facts:
    – Meta is building a large AI-focused data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana
    – The facility is roughly 4 million square feet, making it one of Meta’s largest data centers to date
    – The project represents an estimated $10 billion private investment
    – Construction is expected to last several years, with peak construction employment estimated in the thousands
    – Once operational, the data center is expected to support hundreds of permanent jobs, significantly fewer than the number of temporary construction jobs
    – Major electrical infrastructure upgrades are underway, including new substations and power generation, to meet the facility’s extremely high energy demand
    – Meta has publicly committed to matching its electricity use with clean or renewable energy over time
    – Meta has announced local spending through contracts with Louisiana businesses, as well as community investments tied to infrastructure, education, and environmental restoration

    Documented concerns and points of debate:
    – The data center’s energy demand is exceptionally large, raising questions about long-term impacts on the power grid
    – Environmental and consumer groups have questioned whether utility customers or ratepayers could face future costs tied to new power infrastructure
    – Louisiana granted tax incentives and exemptions to attract the project, which has sparked debate about long-term public return versus public cost
    – Some residents report housing pressure, land value changes, traffic, and disruption associated with large-scale construction

    What is not established or remains unclear:
    – Claims that the data center will employ “only a handful of people” long-term are not supported by current projections, which consistently cite hundreds of permanent roles
    – There is no verified evidence that the Meta project has directly caused failures in local water systems or broadband access, though broader infrastructure challenges already exist in the region
    – Long-term economic impact — decades into the future — remains uncertain and will depend on enforcement of agreements, infrastructure costs, and sustained operations

    This project is complex. It carries potential economic benefits and legitimate concerns at the same time. Both can be true.

    My goal with this reporting is fact-based clarity, not hype, fear-mongering, or political framing. Communities deserve transparent information so they can ask informed questions and hold all parties accountable.

    If you have firsthand experience, documents, or questions related to the Meta data center in Richland Parish, you’re welcome to message me. Anonymous tips are accepted.

  • Update: Visit to Grow NELA Office

    Series: The Richland Parish Data Center: Truth, Rumor & The Record

    On Tuesday, I stopped by the Grow NELA office to request records related to the Richland Parish Data Center project and get a better understanding of why my emails were going unanswered.

    I was told that as a private nonprofit entity, they are not required to provide records and that any further communication regarding such should be directed to their attorney.

    While it’s true that private nonprofits are not always subject to the same public records laws as government agencies, that does not automatically mean records are inaccessible in all circumstances — particularly when public infrastructure, public funding, and governmental coordination are involved, which is what I am working on clarifying for the public.

    Transparency can be simple. When an organization is operating in connection with major regional development, clarity builds public trust. Journalism aside, my personal opinion is that on a project of this magnitude and with so many rumors and reports of possible insider information, the easiest way to clarify things is by transparency without legal avenues.

    My request was straightforward and respectful. I will now pursue documentation through the appropriate public agencies and legal channels.

    The goal remains the same: transparency, accountability, and a clear understanding of process.

    More to come.

  • Bonus Feature: The Spillway

    Series: The Richland Parish Data Center: Rumor, Fact, and the Record

    During my investigation into the Richland Parish Data Center, Sharon Goldman and I began to uncover some news that wasn’t readily available to the public —

    There is evidence indicating that more phases are coming and the data center will multiply in size, adding massive continuation to the currently existing construction. As Sharon puts it: “The combined land parcels for the campus will bring the project to more than twice the size of the nearest international airport, Louis Armstrong in New Orleans.”

    While I will be writing about it in my series as well, I would love for you all to read Sharon’s informative article and support her work. She did some extra research and it’s a very interesting article.

    Sharon Goldman’s article on Fortune.com