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The correlation between reduced crime rates and thriving communities is profound. Lower crime not only ensures the safety of residents but also sets off a chain reaction of positive outcomes that enhance the overall quality of life. In short, crime reduction touches not only the potential would-be victims and families. It also touches the entire neighborhood and community that may not even directly understand the downstream effects. Weve observed this time and time again over the past 8 years in building Flock Safety, a technology company that builds tools to solve and reduce crime. When cities feel the impact of lower crime, its reflected across every aspect of daily life. Here are five downstream areas that can feel the effects. 1. Economic growth and job creation A safe environment is a fertile ground for economic development. Businesses are more likely to invest in areas where crime rates are low, leading to job creation and economic prosperity. Conversely, high crime rates can deter investment and prompt existing businesses to relocate, resulting in job losses and economic decline. A 2021 study tracking the impact of crime on local businesses found that the estimated effects of property crime and outdoor crimes on consumer visits in the following month are negative, meaningful and strongly significant. 2. Housing and urban development Safety plays a crucial role in the housing market. Communities with lower crime rates experience higher property values and increased homeownership rates. This not only benefits homeowners but also attracts real estate development, leading to improved infrastructure and amenities in a self-perpetuating benefit cycle. A report by the Center for American Progress highlighted that the largest economic benefits of reducing violent crime arise from the impact on housing values, as safer neighborhoods become more desirable places to live. On average, a reduction in a given year of one homicide in a ZIP code was correlated with a 1.5% increase in housing values in that same ZIP code the following year. 3. Public health and well-being The link between public safety and public health is undeniable. Communities free from violence experience better physical and mental health outcomes. Some of these effects are quite directone study tracked a 1% decrease in neighborhood violent crime was associated with a 0.21% decrease in cardiovascular death rateswhile others center around a general sense of well-being. The absence of crime fosters a sense of security, reducing stress and anxiety. Moreover, safe neighborhoods encourage outdoor activities, social interactions, and community engagement, all of which contribute to overall well-being. 4. Educational opportunities Safety is a fundamental prerequisite for effective education. Students in secure environments are more likely to attend school regularly and perform better academically. A controlled study with the New York City Department of Education and the New York City Police Department identified that exposure to violence in students neighborhoods and an unsafe climate at school led to substantial test score losses. And lower crime creates a positive feedback loop where education leads to better job opportunities, further contributing to community prosperity. 5. Community cohesion and trust Effective public safety outcomes, specifically reduced crime, fosters trust among community members and between residents and law enforcement. This trust is essential for community programs, local governance, and collective efficacy. When people feel safe, they are more likely to participate in community activities, support local businesses, and engage in civic duties, all of which strengthen the social fabric. The ripple effects of reduced crime are vast and transformative. From economic growth and improved public health to stronger community bonds and enhanced educational outcomes, safety is the cornerstone of thriving communities. Garrett Langley is founder and CEO of Flock Safety. The Fast Company Impact Council is a private membership community of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual membership dues for access to peer learning and thought leadership opportunities, events and more.
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At a recent groundbreaking for one of our data center campuses, three members of the community told our team, Great, were going to get a Trader Joes now. It may sound funny, but this is one small part of the data center effect. Having Starbucks and Whole Foods establishments in the neighborhood famously have been associated with higher property values. Data centers also boost the communities where theyre located, by creating jobs and supporting revitalization efforts, for example. Of course, the industry faces criticism too, often based on outdated perceptions that dont reflect advances in design and sustainability. But public opinion is shiftingpartly thanks to growing recognition of data centers vital role as the digital backbone of the economy and helping enable AI. Those who havent seen the data center effect in their community may soon. As of last year, the U.S. was home to almost 5,400 data centers. With facilities under construction expected to reach a new high in 2025 and demand projected to grow almost 10% annually through 2030, development is picking up outside urban cores and in secondary markets. Here are some of the overlooked ways that data centers are transforming the communities where they operate. 1. They are driving the shift to green power Data centers are pivotal in the transition to green energy. This is part of a broader sustainability push, as the industry aims to shrink its environmental footprint while diversifying power sources to keep up with AIs demand. In fact, our company gets 100% of its electricity from zero-carbon renewable energy. To cool equipment, we leverage a closed-loop system that uses little or no outside water. We also prefabricate electrical and mechanical infrastructure, dramatically reducing waste and minimizing on-site construction. In our home state of Texas and elsewhere, data center providers are seeking more renewable options and funding their development. For example, hyperscalers Amazon, Google, and Microsoft invest heavily in clean energy sources such as wind, solar, and nuclear. By 2029, the U.S. sustainable data center market is expected to double, topping $35 billion. Thanks to such efforts, energy is becoming cheaper and greener, benefiting local communities and society at large. In 2023, 81% of new utility-scale renewable energy projects had lower costs than fossil fuelpowered alternatives. As the price of going green keeps falling, consumers will reap the rewards. 2. Data centers boost the local labor market Like any business that sets up shop in a community, data centers create jobs for local people. We see it in DallasFort Worth, where providers are generating employment opportunities and attracting new talent. As the industry grapples with a labor shortage, reskilling is crucial. In addition to hiring trade school grads to build and maintain our facilities, weve filled key technical roles by retraining skilled military veterans. The impact on local labor markets can be profound. In Virginia in 2023, the data center industry provided more than 26,000 operational and construction jobs. In total, it supported some 78,000 jobs, delivering $6.2 billion in pay and benefits and $31.4 billion in economic output. Not including construction, each job in a Virginia data center supports 3.5 more. Data center providers are also partnering with post-secondary institutions to back industry-specific offerings. I sit on the advisory board of Southern Methodist Universitys Master of Data Center Systems Engineering program, one of the few degrees of its kind. 3. Data centers attract other businesses Data centers exert their own gravitational pull, drawing other companies to the communities where they establish roots. In fact, the surge in new projects recently prompted Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to open properties near data centers. When a hyperscale data center moves into a market, businesses that support its services follow. If the applications using that facility are latency-sensitive, the need for speed pushes companies to locate nearby, too. The result can be a new business ecosystem for some communities and regions. In Virginia, the companies serving data centers include those in power distribution and management, IT hardware, cybersecurity, design, construction, and management consulting. The cybersecurity that local data centers provide is another business magnet. Meeting the security needs of industries with strict data privacy and storage rules, such as healthcare and financial servicesas well as players in the AI arms raceis driving expansion. For customers, data protection combined with zero downtime is a powerful draw. 4. Data centers deliver broader economic benefits When a data center comes to town, the ripple effects are far-reaching.One perk? Better public infrastructure. Upgrades to roads, broadband, power transmission, and other needed services can improve residents quality of life. Data center companies can also breathe new life into long-dormant districts, redeveloping brownfields into new campuses. For local governments, data centers can be a major revenue source. Because theyre taxed locally but serve customers globally, they bring in tax revenue from outside. In Virginia in 2022 alone, the industry paid $640 million and $1 billion, respectively, in state and municipal taxes. When using public services, data centers have a high fiscal benefittocost ratio. In Loudoun County, for every dollar of local public services required, data centers ay about $26, versus roughly $4 for manufacturing plants. 5. Data centers create community partnership opportunities In many cases, the data center industry enriches communities by giving back. Being a good neighbor requires asking residents what contributions they need and working with them to deliver. Weve partnered with a nonprofit to support reforestation near our campuses, teamed up to educate students on industry careers, and provided donations to organizations supporting families in need. As the data center industry keeps growing, many more communities and state and local governments will find themselves approached by providers. Of course, each must make the decision thats right for them. But the data center effect is worth considering. The industry still has work to do, but data centers can help build strong local economies with more opportunities for people and businessesand, perhaps, even get their own Trader Joes. Andrew Schaap is CEO of Aligned Data Centers. The Fast Company Impact Council is a private membership community of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual membership dues for access to peer learning and thought leadership opportunities, events and more.
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Artificial intelligence and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are rapidly becoming two of the most challenging and consequential communication arenas for modern companies. According to Mission Norths 2025 Brand Expectations Index (BEx), public sentiment is evolving in ways that require corporate leaders to rethink how they communicate about these issues, balancing transparency with strategic messaging to maintain trust and relevance. We conducted BEx 2025 in November 2024, surveying 1,000 members of the general population adults and 500 knowledge workers. The goal was to provide practical and positive guidance for how executives such as CEOs, CCOs, and CMOs can bolster their brands reputation while also avoiding actions that might unintentionally harm it. We previously conducted BEx 2024, identifying and measuring leading factors affecting brands today, and used this as a foundation for Bex 2025. AI: BUILDING TRUST IN A FAST-MOVING LANDSCAPE AI adoption is surging, with tools like OpenAIs ChatGPT and Googles Gemini becoming household names. As AI continues to disrupt industries, public perception of AI companies has shifted significantlythough trust remains divided. Top survey findings include: Trust in AI companies and startups jumped 9 points in 2025 over 2024, reflecting increased awareness and adoption. Big tech is leading the trust surge with Google (66%), Amazon (65%), and Microsoft (61%) ranking the most trusted AI companies among the general public.Trust lags significantly for newer players (OpenAI: 41%, Anthropic: 23%). Communication builds trust. Knowledge workers overwhelmingly support transparent AI development, with 81% emphasizing security, 78% ethical oversight, and 77% privacy. Owned content from companies ranks just behind local news as the most trusted source of AI information. Security, privacy, and ethics are big factors in building trust. Security is a top driver of trust in AI companies for 81% of knowledge workers and 69% of the general public. Ethical oversight is also critical: 77% of knowledge workers and 66% of the public support external governance of AI development. Only 40% of the general public trust the government to regulate AI responsibly; 58% of knowledge workers prefer industry self-regulation, reinforcing the need for corporate AI ethics programs. The CEO is your best (or worst) asset, with 67% of knowledge workers and 57% of the public saying a companys CEO reputation directly influences their trust in the brand. DEI AND ESG: NO LABELS, JUST ACTION In a climate of political and cultural pushback against DEI and ESG initiatives, companies face a paradox: While these programs are under attack, employees and consumers still widely support their underlying principles. The public supports DEI valuesbut not always the label. While corporate DEI programs face external pressures, 69% of the general public and 78% of knowledge workers believe in incorporating diverse perspectives. However, companies should remember that the DEI term may carry political baggage and could be rebranded to reflect its broader, inclusive mission. Actions speak louder than words. The study reveals a significant perception gap: 73% of the public supports inclusivity measures, but only 49% believe companies are following through. Businesses must showcase real, meaningful action rather than performative statements to bridge this gap. Environmental stewardship remains a priority. Despite shifting political winds, 68% of the general public and 77% of knowledge workers support corporate sustainability initiatives. Public stances on social issues remain divisive. While 65% of knowledge workers support corporate activism, only 50% of the general public feels the same. Companies should weigh external positioning carefully, prioritizing internal action and policies that reflect core values. SO WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? As AI reshapes industries and DEI/ESG debates continue, communicators must stay ahead of evolving expectations. BEx presents some clear pathways forward: Own your narrative: For companies looking to tell their AI story: take control of your story, educate stakeholders, and focus on security, privacy, and ethical leadership to maintain and build trust. Double down on executive comms: The general public and knowledge workers are looking to CEOs for direction; look closely at how your leaders show up, both in words and actions. Transparency and authenticity are essential elements of an executive platform. Focus less on labels and more on results. Embedding inclusive and sustainable practices into company culture without drawing unnecessary controversy will allow brands to maintain credibility while avoiding political landmines. Direct communications is king. Audiences want to hear from you, and content increases knowledge; 81% of the general public and 84% of knowledge workers rank direct communications from companies (podcasts, long-form articles, and videos on technical and human-interest topics) as one of the most trusted sources of information, second only to local news. COMMUNICATE WITH CONFIDENCE The research makes one thing clear: Companies that proactively shape their narratives around AI and DEI will maintain stronger, more resilient brands. AI is no longer an emerging trendits an operational reality. Meanwhile, DEI and ESG efforts remain essential to corporate success, even requiring strategic repositioning. Companies that take control of their messaging, prioritize transparency, and consistently communicate their values will be best positioned to navigate the challenges and opportunities of 2025. By doubling down on education, trust-building, and authentic storytelling, corporate leaders can ensure their brand survives and thrives in the ever-evolving landscape of AI and DEI. Tyler Perry is co-CEO of Mission North. The Fast Company Impact Council is a private membership community of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share teir insights with our audience. Members pay annual membership dues for access to peer learning and thought leadership opportunities, events and more.
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