Google Says No Tax Breaks. Here’s Why It Matters.

Google’s proposed Hermantown data center project has taken a major turn. The company says it will no longer seek real property tax abatements, meaning it will still invest about $100 million in public infrastructure while paying taxes that would go directly to city and county governments. City leaders say the decision could provide significant long-term funding for city operations, infrastructure, and local services, while Google has also committed to continuing support for the school district. But opponents argue the announcement does not address their concerns about the project itself. Here’s what the decision means for Hermantown, local taxpayers, schools, and St. Louis County moving forward.