Data Center Tax Abatements: Why States and Localities Must Disclose These Soaring Revenue Losses presented by Good Jobs First

​Across the U.S., data centers are expanding at a rapid pace, but the public cost of that growth is often hidden.

​Many states and local governments are giving away massive tax breaks to data center developers, resulting in billions of dollars in lost public revenue. In fact, new research shows that at least 14 states and many localities aren’t even reporting these losses, despite accounting rules requiring them to do so.

​In this webinar, Anthony Elmo will walk through findings from Good Jobs First’s latest report, Data Center Tax Abatements: Why States and Localities Must Disclose These Soaring Revenue Losses. Together, we’ll unpack how these tax abatements work, why so many are kept out of public view, and what it means for communities, public budgets, and essential services like schools and infrastructure.

​Speaker Bio:

​Anthony Elmo joined Good Jobs First in 2025 with experience as a communications and political strategist who has spent his career helping working people and educators make their voices heard. As Communications and Political Director for UFCW Local 1000 and a lead strategist with Texas AFT, Anthony has driven campaigns that bring together educators, families, and labor allies to fight for fair pay, stronger public schools, and accountable government.

​At Texas AFT, he shaped messaging, digital outreach, and legislative communications, helping the union build power at the Capitol and in communities across Texas. His work has mobilized thousands of members, expanded voter engagement, and helped defeat anti-labor legislation.

​Before his work in education and labor advocacy, Anthony served as a field director for Obama for America, leading voter registration and grassroots programs in several states. He holds both a Master’s and a Bachelor’s degree in International Politics and International Service from American University, graduating summa cum laude.