Video: City of Broken Arrow contacted about potential data center

The City of Broken Arrow announced that a site selector has contacted the BA Economic Development Corporation regarding a potential data center. The proposed 50-acre site is located in East Broken Arrow, between State Highway 51 and the Creek Turnpike. City Manager Michael Spurgeon emphasized the city's proactive and transparent approach in informing the community about the prospective project, particularly in light of rapid data center approvals in other communities. Spurgeon clarified that the ongoing discussions are initial pre-development meetings, a standard part of economic development, and do not signify project approval or commitments from the city. The company behind the request remains unidentified, and no formal proposals have been submitted. The city also confirmed it is not signing non-disclosure agreements during this preliminary stage. Responding to questions about why the city wouldn't immediately reject the project, Spurgeon explained that denying a business the right to file an application and go through the established planning commission and city council processes could expose the city to legal liability. Should the project advance, it would face a comprehensive approval and rezoning process overseen by the Broken Arrow City Council.