Independence mayoral candidates clash over Nebius data center revenue at chamber forum

Mayoral candidates for Independence, Missouri, Councilmember Dr. Bridget McCandless and Kevin King, clashed over the recently approved Nebius data center at a Chamber of Commerce forum. The $150 billion tax abatement deal for the Nebius facility, approved by the Independence City Council earlier this month, is set to generate an estimated $50 million in tax revenue over five years, becoming a central issue in the mayoral race. While both candidates expressed support for the data center project, they diverged on how the projected tax revenue should be utilized. Dr. McCandless, who voted for the tentative agreement, advocated for using the funds to address a broad spectrum of city needs, including debt reduction, infrastructure improvements for roads and bridges, parks, restoring bus service, and tackling homelessness. Conversely, Kevin King argued that public safety should be the top priority. He highlighted significant staffing shortages within the city's police and fire departments, as well as in dispatch services, stating these issues must be shored up first. The Nebius data center project has also faced considerable opposition from some residents, including Kelly Mitchell, an Independence voter who expressed concerns about the impact of AI data centers. Neighbors have initiated legal action, filing a lawsuit against the City of Independence in response to the development.