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Microsoft announced a 'Community-First AI Infrastructure' initiative to address local concerns regarding its AI data center expansion. The plan includes five principles: ensuring data centers do not increase electricity prices, minimizing water usage, creating local jobs, contributing to local tax bases, and investing in community AI training.

Microsoft President Brad Smith emphasized that the company will not seek tax breaks and aims to work with utilities to manage infrastructure costs. The initiative responds to political scrutiny and aims to mitigate community backlash over resource demands. Microsoft is also committed to replenishing more water than it withdraws from local sources.