The number of data centers around the Pacific Northwest has exploded in recent decades, growing from less than two dozen in 2008 to more than 200 across Oregon and Washington today.

But Southwest Washington — despite its long-standing role as a regional industrial and manufacturing hub — is home to none of the state’s roughly 100 data centers , the backbone of the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence movement.

Local views on the facilities are mixed.

Many leaders in Clark and Cowlitz counties say data centers are too costly and employ few people, while the Longview City Council is reviewing whether to codify allowing the centers in all industrial zones as a way to drive development.

The second Trump administration also released a plan in January to invest $500 billion to fuel U.S. development of AI infrastructure and data centers as tech goliaths push to integrate AI into every facet of life.