05/18/2026
One of the biggest challenges in local government is writing or updating an ordinance. It’s difficult to navigate issues in an ever changing world, preparing and planning for future technology. Above all, we must protect the land and the people who call it home.
Billion dollar corporations come into communities with deep pockets and closed door meetings. Big promises, but at what cost to our way of life?
In December, Clinton County adopted our data center ordinance. However, this only applies to unincorporated areas of Clinton County. The proposed data center is within the city limits of Clinton. After we passed our ordinance, I reached out to elected officials in Clinton, encouraging them to adopt a data center ordinance. I even shared the county’s ordinance with them to use as a template.
Several weeks ago, “data center ordinance” was placed on a board of supervisors Monday morning agenda. Andy, from Grow Clinton, spoke to the board. He had a prepared statement, very similar to his op-ed he had published and shared online. All 3 supervisors reminded him that our ordinance has zero jurisdiction over the proposed data center.
Today, the developer is in town to have small group meetings with all city council and the board of supervisors. We have been instructed to, “Please arrive prepared with questions, concerns, and feedback from your constituents.”
I strongly believe that the city of Clinton needs a data center ordinance, not just a development agreement. All data center development should be subject to the same rules. In Andy’s op-ed, it mentions requirements, limits, restrictions and monitoring…but what are they?
This data center is projected to be TEN 500,000sq ft buildings. To put that in perspective, the Walmart is Clinton is about 186,000sq ft. That means we would have almost 27 of our Walmart sized building grouped together within the city limits.
Government works the best when it’s closest to the people. Let’s have public conversations and shed some light on this project. Residents deserve to have a seat at the table, sharing their input with the people that have been elected to represent them. Wanting rules and regulations for developers is not anti economic growth. An ordinance can protect our land, our people, the environment and our way of life. It’s important to plan for the unexpected and have the means to hold corporations accountable.
