Yukon Vice Mayor Jeff Wootton resigns from city council following data center controversy
Yukon Vice Mayor Jeff Wootton resigned from the city council following controversy over a proposed data center. Residents initiated a recall effort against Wootton and Mayor Brian Pillmore, citing concerns about transparency and the data center's significant water usage. The City of Yukon confirmed a contract exists with BLE Landholdings, with a Water Use Agreement currently in its second extension.
Yukon Vice Mayor Jeff Wootton announced his resignation from the Yukon City Council, effective June 6, 2026. This decision follows significant controversy surrounding a proposed data center development in the area and a resident-led recall effort targeting both Wootton and Mayor Brian Pillmore.
Residents initiated the recall, expressing deep concerns about a lack of transparency, specifically citing a non-disclosure agreement signed earlier in the year. A major point of contention is the data center's potential water usage, which residents fear could strain resources in the fast-growing Canadian County, particularly near the proposed site at Route 66 and Frisco Road. They also highlighted the city's difficulty in exiting a contract with the company involved.
The City of Yukon issued a statement acknowledging the contract with BLE Landholdings includes several checkpoints. While four of these checkpoints have been met, the fifth, the Water Use Agreement, is currently undergoing its second 90-day extension.