In communities like those in McLean County, a community benefits agreement may either be a tool to hold data centers accountable or a list of empty promises. A community benefits agreement [CBA] is a document which can legally require data centers to commit to the investment of specific projects, programs or upgrades within a community. That can range from something like funding a new building in town to replacing aging water pipes. In the City of Bloomington’s newly released draft regulations, CBAs approved by city council would be a requirement.