data centers

Data centers that power AI are exploding across the Midwest — and so is opposition to them. Now, people across the political spectrum want to see stricter regulation and more transparency.

First District voters recalled a City Council member for the first time in Independence's history after he voted to approve a multibillion-dollar data center. A special election to fill the vacancy will need to be scheduled.

Big tech companies are facing formidable opposition from a coalition of people across the political spectrum. Meanwhile, local elected officials find themselves scrambling to draft regulations and defend themselves against accusations of secrecy.

Data center distrust is so strong that Kansans are putting forward petitions to stop local governments from developing the facilities. In return, at least three Kansas cities are suing constituents over those petitions.

As technology companies build AI data centers across Missouri, consumer advocates worry the cost for the vast infrastructure upgrades needed will fall to the average energy consumers unless new laws are passed.

Around 100 people opposed to the proposed data center filled the Leavenworth County planning meeting room, pushing for more scrutiny on regulations. A countywide moratorium on data center development expired this week.

The Missouri House Future Caucus created a new checklist to help local communities consider data center proposals as they move to the state. Among the questions are how resources like water will be protected, and how the local community will benefit after tax incentives and infrastructure costs.

The Kansas City Plan Commission unanimously blocked a motion for a 384-foot data center on top of a historic building in the Quality Hill neighborhood. Community groups want a total ban on future data centers.

A Miami-based developer submitted a proposal to replace a historic building in downtown Kansas City with a 20-story data center. Then they worked with a Georgia-based organization to attach a preservation easement on the building. Residents worry it’s a fishy way to win tax incentives.

The Edgerton City Council unanimously overrode the planning commission's denial of a $860 million data center project. Some Edgerton residents say the decision made them lose trust in their elected officials.

The City Planning Commission has yet to approve the proposal to build a 384-foot data center in Kansas City’s Quality Hill neighborhood. Neighbors worry the project could drain resources and ignore historic preservation

Construction began in April as Beale Infrastructure expanded its project scope to include four buildings and nearly 2.9 million square feet. One resident called it "a breach of understanding with this community."