An AI data center has created a new political force in Independence | Hudnall
A grassroots movement in Independence, Missouri, successfully recalled City Councilman John Perkins due to his vote to approve tax incentives for a Nebius AI data center. While the data center is under construction, the opposition group has become a significant political force. Residents are concerned about the project's substantial tax abatements, its massive electricity and water consumption, and potential environmental impacts, as well as a perceived lack of transparency from city officials.
A powerful political movement has emerged in Independence, Missouri, driven by strong opposition to a new Nebius AI data center. While the "Stop the AI Data Center in Independence" group did not prevent the City Council from approving the facility, which is now under construction, it recently achieved a major political victory.
First District voters successfully recalled longtime Councilman John Perkins with approximately 68% of the vote. Perkins was one of five council members who voted in March to approve a $6.2 billion tax incentive package for the Nebius project. Two other council members who supported the deal, Bridget McCandless and Jared Fears, have also lost recent elections, signaling a growing political backlash against data center developments nationally.
Rachel Gonzalez, a co-founder of the Facebook group and deputy treasurer of the Independence Community Action Committee, highlighted frustrations with the city's handling of the deal, citing a perceived lack of transparency and public engagement before the vote. She expressed significant concern over the 90% tax abatement granted to Nebius for 20 years, alongside an issuance of $150 billion in bonds, arguing that these incentives benefit a foreign company at the expense of local residents who are struggling financially. Additionally, residents harbor worries about the data center's water and power consumption, potential pollution, and its proximity to the Lake City ammunition plant.
Despite projections of significant revenue for the city and school district from the data center, Gonzalez remains skeptical, citing past projects in Independence that failed to meet financial promises. She emphasized the grassroots efforts, including daily door-knocking, that led to the successful recall and stated that the group remains organized and ready to hold other elected officials accountable for their decisions regarding development projects.