GUEST EDITORIAL: Georgia’s Thriving Tech Company Can Power Our Future

By State Representative Robert Flournoy, Jr. (D-Hampton)

(583 words)

Georgia finds itself in an economic renaissance. From advanced manufacturing to fintech and film, record-breaking investments are reshaping our state and fueling opportunity in every corner. The results of this growth and progress are visible in the new construction across towns that were once overlooked, local governments with more revenue to improve infrastructure and schools and a job market that just surpassed five million positions for the first time in our state's history, a historic milestone. Just as importantly, the industries driving this growth are spurring upgrades to our energy infrastructure, helping ensure that prosperity is paired with reliable and more affordable energy for Georgia families and businesses.

Growth like this is not an accident. As a member of the General Assembly, I have worked with my colleagues to make Georgia a nationally renowned state for business, even as other states have tried to lure it away. By pairing a pro-growth approach to lawmaking with a diverse workforce and world-class research institutions, we've built a reputation as a place where innovation thrives, making us a magnet for the industries of the future.

The strength of our energy system and the reliability of our grid are also central to that story. Thanks to our affordable, reliable power, key infrastructure like data centers and manufacturing companies are coming to Georgia, strengthening our state's economy and business community. Our reliable and diverse grid has long set us apart, but today, as industries increasingly electrify due to shifting consumer demands, it's given us a new competitive advantage. Because of it, Georgia has become a thriving electric vehicle and battery production hub, bringing in historic investments from Kia, Hyundai, Rivian and more. Those choices have translated into thousands of jobs, stronger local economies and new opportunities for families statewide.

As a member of the House Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications Committee, I have seen firsthand the careful planning and bipartisan commitment it has taken to ensure Georgia's energy system remains strong, reliable and affordable. This has not happened by chance. It is the result of years of foresight and smart policy decisions that positioned our state to seize these opportunities, keep costs manageable for families and businesses and compete on a global scale.

Georgia's tech sector is rising fast, and nowhere is that clearer than in Metro Atlanta, now one of the nation's leading data center hubs. These projects are more than buildings; they are catalysts for jobs, stronger tax bases and transformational investments. In fact, Georgia Chamber of Commerce President Chris Clark has noted that "the next century will be built on data," and data centers are "introducing a new kind of economic stability" in local communities, "bring[ing] in revenue that supports local schools, roads and public safety without burdening taxpayers." They're also the backbone of artificial intelligence, putting our state in a leading role in the global AI race and attracting world-class talent and capital.

But momentum alone isn't enough. Other states are moving aggressively to compete, and if Georgia wants to stay ahead, we must remain committed to expanding the energy infrastructure that powers this growth. At the same time, we must be deliberate, making sure the way we welcome and manage data centers makes sense for our communities as well as for the industry itself.

When I return to the State House as the proud representative for House District 74, I'll be calling on my colleagues to stay the course. With steady, pro-growth leadership, we can turn today's success into lasting opportunity for all Georgians.

*Editor's note: this editorial was previously published by James Magazine.

Representative Robert Flournoy, Jr. represents the citizens of District 74, which includes portions of Clayton and Henry counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2024 and currently serves on the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, State Planning & Community Affairs and State Properties committees.

The views expressed above and information shared are those of the author.

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