Judge says Independence residents can't force vote on data center tax breaks

A Jackson County judge has ruled against Independence residents, stating they cannot force a public vote on over $6 billion in tax breaks granted to a Dutch company, Nebius, for an artificial intelligence data center. Residents had sued the City of Independence after their efforts to put the 20-year, 90% tax incentives on the ballot were rejected by city officials, who argued the city charter did not allow for a referendum on an ordinance that had already taken effect. The residents, organized in a Facebook group called "Stop the AI Data Center in Independence," contended that the charter allowed for a vote and the ordinance should not take effect until the referendum process concluded. Despite "fierce opposition" from residents, the Independence City Council had approved the tax breaks earlier in the month. Preparations for the more than 400-acre AI factory campus are already underway, with crews clearing land near Route 78 and Little Blue Parkway. While the judge's decision allows the city to move forward with its commitments, residents like Rachel Gonzalez expressed disagreement and are evaluating an appeal. The group still plans to submit collected signatures to demonstrate public participation and is now focusing on the upcoming April 7 city elections to hold accountable candidates who supported the data center project.