What’s the Fix (WTF) for AI and Data Centers?

• Data centers could generate significant economic and utility benefits for Michigan communities, though public skepticism remains a challenge. 
• Panelists agreed that AI infrastructure investment is accelerating rapidly and debated on how to effectively harness economic opportunities while addressing environmental considerations, land use, and workforce impact. 
• Speakers emphasized the need for clearer public communication, regulatory certainty, and long-term policy strategy. 

Artificial intelligence is moving rapidly from emerging technology to foundational infrastructure, creating both economic opportunity and growing public concern. During a 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference panel discussion on AI and data centers, business, utility, and technology leaders explored how states like Michigan should respond to increasing demand for digital infrastructure while balancing concerns about jobs, energy use, and public trust. 

With the conversation moderated by Journalist and Author Devin Scillian, the panelists described how AI tools are already influencing decision-making, operations, and productivity. Utility executives emphasized that AI-related infrastructure investment could generate long-term economic benefits for Michigan communities, utilities, and customers.   

DTE Energy’s Joi Harris noted that the combined affordability benefits tied to major hyperscale agreements could total approximately $9 billion over 20 years, while also supporting construction jobs, grid modernization, and renewable energy development statewide.  

“We see this as a huge opportunity for our customers, and certainly a huge opportunity for the communities where this infrastructure will land,” Harris said, adding the company just announced a partnership with LG. “We’re keeping it … with the home team right here in the state. Those batteries will be constructed in Holland, and we will use them right here in Michigan. 1,800 jobs. This is huge for Michigan. The benefits are real.” 

Yang, however, cautioned that the technology’s rapid advancement is already affecting hiring patterns and workforce opportunities.  

“Our company is not hiring junior engineers because AI can already complete much of that work faster and more efficiently,” he said.

A major focus of the discussion centered on Michigan’s ability to compete for AI-related infrastructure investment. Utility executives argued that data centers create construction jobs, expand local tax bases, and help offset infrastructure costs for customers. 

“One data center in a community can dramatically expand the tax base and generate funding for schools, roads, and local infrastructure,” Rochow said.  

At the same time, panelists acknowledged widespread public skepticism surrounding AI, utility reliability, and environmental impact. Yang noted that distrust of large technology companies is influencing public resistance to data center expansion. 

“There’s a massive backlash building because many Americans believe AI will eventually replace large categories of jobs,” Yang said. 

He argued that AI-driven productivity gains will likely displace large categories of repetitive white-collar work, including entry-level professional roles. Yang suggested policymakers may eventually need to tax AI systems at scale and redirect that revenue toward workforce support, poverty reduction, and new forms of economic participation as automation accelerates.  

Much of the conversation ultimately focused on whether Michigan can move quickly enough to capitalize on AI-related growth. Some panelists argued that competing states are advancing more aggressively with land use, permitting, and infrastructure planning. 

“We’re debating these issues while other states are already building the next generation of data centers and technology corridors,” Rakolta said. “If we don’t start building data centers here today, we’re going to lose both the technological backbone and the engineering backbone that support Michigan’s long-term economic competitiveness.” 

While perspectives differed on AI’s long-term impact, the panel broadly agreed that governments, utilities, and business leaders will need clearer communication strategies, a proactive strategy, and stronger public engagement as the technology continues to evolve.

The What’s the Fix (WTF)? series is sponsored by PNC Bank. This session was editorially crafted in partnership with Crain’s Content Studio.