Wrightstown data center referendum question challenged by D.C. trade association
A non-binding referendum regarding data centers in Wrightstown, Wisconsin, scheduled for the August election, is facing a legal challenge from NetChoice, a Washington D.C.-based trade association. The village trustees had previously voted to include the referendum question and enacted a temporary pause on data center projects due to community concerns. Village officials have not yet commented on the claim.
The Village of Wrightstown, Wisconsin, is facing a legal challenge over a non-binding referendum question concerning data centers, which is slated for the August election. NetChoice, a Washington D.C.-based trade association representing major e-commerce and internet businesses like Amazon and Meta, has filed a claim with the village.
According to Robert Winterton, NetChoice's vice president of public affairs, the claim asserts that the referendum falls outside the bounds of what Wisconsin law allows for advisory referenda. The village trustees had previously voted in May to place the question on the ballot, driven by significant community concern about a potential data center development. Last month, trustees also voted to implement a temporary pause on data center projects until the August election results are certified. Village officials have not yet publicly responded to NetChoice's claim, nor has a copy of the claim been released, despite requests. The village board is scheduled to discuss the claim in a closed session.