Life Near OpenAI's Stargate Project

For more than 40 years, Tom and Lisa Perini have welcomed visitors to their ranch and restaurant in Buffalo Gap, Texas, just outside Abilene. As new investment and AI infrastructure arrive in the region, they've seen firsthand how growth can create new opportunities for local businesses while raising important questions about preserving the character of rural communities. In this conversation, the Perinis reflect on what makes their community special, why they believe small towns need opportunity to thrive, and how they think about balancing growth with the traditions and way of life they hope will endure for generations to come.