Google drops tax abatement request for proposed Hermantown Data Center
Google has withdrawn its request for a real property tax abatement for its proposed data center in Hermantown, Minnesota, saying it will seek other ways to support the local school district. The project remains under review, with a special-use permit scheduled for consideration by the Hermantown Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. Residents have raised concerns about taxes, transparency, water use and the project's broader community impact.
Google will no longer seek a real property tax abatement for its proposed Hermantown data center after discussions with city officials and community members. The company said it is exploring alternative support for Hermantown Community Schools, while city officials said the change addresses a major resident concern and could allow the project to generate more than $240 million in property taxes over 20 years.
The data center proposal remains under review. Hermantown Mayor Wayne Boucher and City Administrator John Mulder welcomed Google's decision, but residents continue to debate the project's tax, transparency, water-use and community impacts. The Hermantown Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to consider Google's special-use permit, with the request and related agreements expected to proceed to the City Council afterward.