Recorded live from the YOTTA 2026 Podcast Stage in Las Vegas, this special edition of JSA Fast Forward brings together JSA Founder & CEO Jaymie Scotto Cutaia, EVP of Business Strategy & Development Candace Sipos, and Jack Backes, Executive Vice President of Inference Development at Provident Data Centers.

The conversation explores what it takes to build digital infrastructure at a time when demand is accelerating and community scrutiny is growing. From site selection and stakeholder mapping to facility design, community benefits and long-term accountability, the panel looks at how data center developers can become better neighbors and build trust earlier in the development process.

Jack also shares firsthand lessons from navigating zoning, local opposition and public engagement, including why developers need to understand community concerns before arriving with all the answers.

Topics include:

• Why community engagement should begin earlier in the development process
• What “good neighbor” data center development looks like in practice
• How facility design can help address concerns around noise, water and proximity
• Why developers need to listen before presenting solutions
• The growing importance of tangible community benefits
• Why follow-through matters long after project approval