Events and Classes
Planning for Data Centers: What local government officials should know
Pennsylvania is experiencing significant interest in data center development, presenting local elected officials with complex questions about land use, infrastructure, economic development, and community impact. This presentation will examine the forces driving the current wave of data center proposals in the Commonwealth, distinguish credible projects from speculative development activity, and identify practical due diligence questions municipal officials should ask when reviewing an application. The session will also highlight emerging trends, recurring issues, and key considerations for communities evaluating these increasingly consequential projects.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Explain the primary factors contributing to the recent increase in data center development proposals in Pennsylvania.
- Evaluate the credibility and readiness of a proposed data center project by examining the applicant, development experience, financing capacity, site control, and potential speculative intent.
- Identify recurring land use, infrastructure, environmental, public process, and community impact issues arising in local review of data center proposals.
Speaker:
Adrian Markocic is a Greater Pittsburgh region resident, Pennsylvania-licensed attorney, and energy infrastructure professional whose work focuses on power markets, interconnection, land use, and large-load growth. He has advised on data center energy strategy and worked directly with hyperscale data center development opportunities, including the integration of renewable generation and large-load sites. Earlier in his career, Adrian spent more than eight years working on Pennsylvania energy policy, zoning, permitting, and local government engagement. He holds an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Graduate School of Business and currently serves as Senior Director of Market Strategy at Silicon Ranch, one of the nation’s largest solar independent power producers.
Planning 101 Webinar Series
Local Government Academy is pleased to partner with the Southwest Section of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association to offer “Planning 101” a webinar series on core functions of planning staff and officials at the municipal and county level. The webinars emphasize best practices, consistency with the Municipalities Planning Code, and adding value to efforts to improve your community.
The sessions will be worthy of AICP CM credits, and informative for lay planning and zoning officials, elected and appointed officials, municipal planners, and community development professionals.
Registration Fee: $10 for CM Credits; Free for all otherwise
TYPE OF SESSION
Presentation of best practices, Q&A
TARGET AUDIENCE
Professional and citizen planners, beginner to intermediate skill level
Schedule/Format: Live Lunch & Learn (12:30 -1:30 PM) webinar Fourth Wednesday May – August 2026
REGISTER BELOW:
2025-2026 Newly Elected Officials Course
The Newly Elected Officials Course (NEOC) is a comprehensive program for public officials to build a solid foundation of knowledge essential to effective governing. Focusing on the unique needs of local government, and featuring expert instructors, each session takes a deep dive into subjects such as municipal finance, public sector personnel law, the Public Officials Act, ethical decision making, emergency services, and more.
While unique for its depth of content, NEOC is designed to help incoming elected and appointed officials develop their leadership skills and build important relationships. Peer-to-Peer engagement offers opportunities to grow your network and find mentors from other public service professionals.
Saturday workshop sessions will offer a comfortable learning environment and safe opportunities to network with instructors and municipal resource partners.
For more information: See our NEOC page
Annual Promoting Excellence Golf Outing
Registration is now open for the 2026 Promoting Excellence Golf Outing! We look forward to welcoming you all on Monday, August 17th at our new location South Hills Country Club, 4305 Brownsville Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15236. Don’t miss your opportunity to experience this renowned course and participate in challenging skill competitions for a chance to win great prizes!
The Promoting Excellence Golf Outing is held to raise money for the Michael Lynch Scholarship Fund, and to ensure that the Academy has the resources needed to provide non-partisan education to public officials and staff, regardless of ability to pay.