Port Washington data centers; referendum targets future developments

Voters in Port Washington, Wisconsin, are set to decide on a referendum that would mandate voter approval for future Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) districts exceeding $10 million. This measure was prompted by public controversy surrounding a proposed $15 billion data center campus by Vantage Data Centers, which previously received TIF approval from the Port Washington Common Council to support public improvements. Advocates for the referendum, including Michael Beaster of Great Lakes Neighbors United, expressed frustration over a perceived lack of public input on the Vantage data center project. They argue that requiring voter approval for significant future developments would result in stronger projects if the community feels adequately represented. Opponents, such as Erin Hickey of the Lakeshore Realtors Association, contend that the referendum could deter future development by making the process more cumbersome and time-consuming for developers. If approved, the referendum would not impact the existing Vantage Data Centers project but would apply to all subsequent TIF districts above the specified value. Further complicating the matter, the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) has filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the referendum, indicating ongoing legal battles regardless of the vote's outcome. Additionally, the City of Port Washington Plan Commission recently voted to limit outdoor construction work hours at the data center site.