The CIF outlines six principles for negotiations, including the $1 million per megawatt investment benchmark, long-term planning for when facilities leave, and clear timelines for phased investments. It also emphasises community engagement and local ownership confirmation for funded projects. The guidance comes as AI data centres strain electricity and water supplies and offer limited job creation compared to other industries.

New York towns could potentially add $9 billion to their coffers if they adopt the CIF, based on reports of data centre operators requesting up to 9,000 MW from the state grid. However, this figure excludes operators bringing their own power sources. The framework serves as a useful guide for municipalities facing expiring moratoria on data centre construction.

The move highlights a growing tension between rapid AI infrastructure growth and local community needs. While the CIF aims to secure financial benefits, it also addresses the physical strain on resources. This approach contrasts with federal efforts to deregulate data centre construction, which have raised environmental concerns.