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Brookfield CEO Says Local Community Buy-In Is Crucial Before Building AI Infrastructure

November 6, 2026 at 18:45 EST

Infra & Chips
Policy & Regulation

Brookfield Chief Executive Officer Connor Teskey said that securing buy-in from local communities is essential before artificial intelligence infrastructure is built, underscoring that community acceptance is becoming a practical condition for the rapid expansion of AI computing capacity.

AI infrastructure · Brookfield

Community buy-in is becoming a condition for building AI infrastructure

Brookfield CEO Connor Teskey says securing support from local communities is essential before AI infrastructure is built. For investors, community acceptance is now a practical factor in how fast computing capacity can expand.

The shift in sequencing

Engagement moves from after plans are finalized to before construction begins.

STEP 1

Engage early

Bring in residents and local governments before plans are final.

→

STEP 2

Build

Data centers and related power and computing facilities go up.

→

STEP 3

Expand capacity

Rapid growth in AI computing capacity, if acceptance holds.

Why it matters

Projects need large amounts of land, electricity and water.
They can change the character of the places where they sit.
Local acceptance is increasingly seen as a factor in project timelines and costs.

What remains unclear

Specific Brookfield projects and the communities involved.
Timing of any engagement efforts.
The particular concerns raised by residents.
How Brookfield's approach differs from others in the sector.

The key test

Will comments about engagement turn into concrete commitments?

Transparent consultation

Open, clear processes for residents and officials.

Benefit-sharing

Arrangements that share project gains with local communities.

Environmental safeguards

Protections covering land, power and water use.

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