Amelia Powers Gardner

Power, Place, and Prosperity: Data Centers Done Right

Data centers are arriving in rural counties faster than local governments can prepare for them. Sarah Hunt and Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner discuss what it takes to bring one to your community responsibly — to the environment, economy, and culture of rural America. They’ll cover the questions to ask before the first shovel, the state and local tools at your disposal, how to negotiate beyond a standard community benefits agreement, incorporating clean energy, zoning, permitting, and other legal considerations.

Amelia Powers Gardner is a nationally recognized government innovation leader and technology advocate completing her final year as a Utah County Commissioner after eight years of elected service, including serving as Utah County Clerk/Auditor. Before entering public service, she spent more than 15 years in the private sector in engineering, manufacturing, and business development. Throughout her career, Amelia has built a reputation as a strategic leader focused on using technology to modernize government, improve public services, and strengthen public trust.

During her time in office, Amelia has led nationally recognized initiatives in digital government, election administration, cybersecurity, and emerging technology. Under her leadership, Utah County launched Utah’s first blockchain-based Verifiable Digital Credential through its online marriage license system and became the first jurisdiction in the United States to offer blockchain-enabled accessible voting for individuals with disabilities. She also championed the modernization of the county’s financial and operational systems to improve transparency, efficiency, and service delivery. Her work has earned national recognition, including being named one of Government Technology’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers. Amelia serves on Utah’s Digital Innovation and Blockchain Task Force, the Board of Directors of the Utah Blockchain Coalition and the Rainey Center for Public Policy, is Vice Chair of the National Association of Counties Telecommunications and Technology Policy Steering Committee, and serves as National Chair of the Rainey Center LAMP Program.

A lifelong resident of Utah County, Amelia earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Weber State University before beginning her career with Caterpillar, where she worked throughout the Midwest, the southern United States, and Canada. She and her husband, Tobin, live in Lehi and are the proud parents of six children. As she concludes her final term in elected office, Amelia looks forward to continuing her work advancing innovation, technology, and effective public service while helping governments better serve the people they represent.