Google representative talks data center at packed Hermantown City Council

The Hermantown City Council hosted a packed meeting where a Google representative made their first in-person presentation regarding a proposed data center site. The early modeling for the project anticipates 1500 to 2000 highly paid skilled construction jobs during an 8-10 year build-out period. This presentation preceded a public hearing and an upcoming vote on a development and tax abatement agreement, which would solidify industrial operations and tax cuts for the data center. While Google representatives claimed transparency throughout the process, noting that non-disclosure agreements allow them to be more transparent with city staff, opponents argued the opposite. They raised concerns about the lack of specific project details and the absence of an environmental review, questioning how an ethical decision could be made without a site plan. Despite this opposition, a majority of the crowd wore 'Yes MN' gear, representing trade unions and others who support the data center for its potential economic benefits. City leaders stated that Google would become the largest business taxpayer in town, surpassing major retailers, even with the proposed tax abatement. Public comment was still ongoing, with a vote expected later in the evening.