AI Rewrites the Data Center Playbook |
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Artificial intelligence is now the primary driver behind data center expansion. Power demand is projected to triple from approximately 30 GW in 2025 to more than 90 GW by 2030 exceeding California's entire current energy consumption. The AI surge is forcing hyperscalers to fundamentally rethink infrastructure strategy. Training workloads requiring up to 200 kW per rack are pushing development in remote, power-rich regions. Inference workloads, which will exceed 50% of AI compute by 2030, demand low-latency access near population centers. Power constraints in tier 1 markets like Northern Virginia (where time-to-market now stretches to more than 36 months) are accelerating interest in tier 2 locations. Columbus, Des Moines, and San Antonio are emerging as prime candidates for tier 1 status within five years due to faster power delivery and lower land costs. Key shifts include: - Power drives strategy: Energy access now limits growth, so hyperscalers are investing in nuclear pilots and behind-the-meter generation.
- Modular construction: Prefabricated, liquid-cooling-ready builds reduce delivery times by 50%.
- Lease-to-own models: Now comprise 25-30% of tier 1 deals as speed trumps ownership interested.
- Retrofitting legacy sites: Using existing sites rather than build new on greenfield sites is increasing being examined to increase speed to market.
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 AI isn't just demanding more data centers; it's reshaping how they're financed, built, and powered. For states like Ohio, the pivot toward tier 2 markets represents a significant economic development opportunity. Communities with available power, skilled labor, and streamlined permitting processes are positioned to capture billions of infrastructure investment as hyperscalers seek alternatives to congested coastal hubs. |
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Ohio’s Rural Healthcare Transformation Program Set to Launch |
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Ohio’s Rural Healthcare Transformation (RHT) Program is preparing to kick off, with the first wave of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) expected to be soon. The opening RFPs will likely focus on workforce development and technology/data initiatives, signaling the DeWine Administration’s intent to begin quickly on high-priority needs. Additional RFPs will follow after the new year as part of a staggered rollout. More program details are expected during the state’s upcoming vendor calls. As part of its RHT application to CMS, Ohio built in flexibility across project categories, allowing organizations to apply to more than one RFP if their services align with multiple components of the program. This approach broadens eligibility and encourages innovative, cross-cutting solutions to the challenges facing rural healthcare providers and communities. It’s important to note the General Assembly has a role in providing legislative oversight on appropriations for the RHT initiative. This could be achieved through legislation or Controlling Board approval which can authorize certain levels of spending without full legislative action. Although each option comes with its own dynamics, the DeWine Administration will partner with the General Assembly on their efforts collectively to ensure a timely release of RHT funding. Hicks Partners is staying in close communication with policymakers and will continue to monitor RFP releases, provide timely updates, and help evaluate emerging opportunities. |
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 Organizations seeking RHT funding should closely monitor the upcoming RFP releases and plan to participate in vendor webinars to ensure the strongest possible positioning for their applications. Stakeholders should also be prepared for engagement with key legislators and Controlling Board members, given the necessary but undefined spending approval process. |
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| As 2025 Winds Down, A New Snapshot of Ohio’s Key 2026 Elections Emerges |
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As 2025 comes to a close, new polling data offer an early glimpse into two of Ohio’s most closely watched races in 2026. Recent surveys show that Democrat Amy Acton and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy are virtually tied in early head-to-head matchups for governor. A recent Emerson College poll found Acton supported by 46% of likely voters to Ramaswamy’s 45%, with a notable share of voters still undecided, reflecting a competitive environment this far out from Election Day. In the U.S. Senate race, the Emerson poll has Republican Senator Jon Husted holding a 49-46% lead over Democratic Sherrod Brown, with about 5% of voters remain undecided. This, even though Brown’s overall name ID is significantly higher than Husted’s given Brown’s high-profile 2022 campaign in which he lost to Senator Bernie Moreno. The 2026 Senate race is likely to be one of the closest watched in the nation. |
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 It’s important to remember that this polling is a point-in-time snapshot, not a prediction of final outcomes. As the campaigns unfold, voter preferences are likely to shift, issues will evolve, and turnout dynamics become clearer. The real race will accelerate after the new year as candidates sharpen their messages, expand their outreach, and compete for support across the state. |
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Our Grant Alert list is updated! Review the list of ongoing grant opportunities, click the link below. |
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