The state of Wisconsin has signed multiple NDAs for data center development deals
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. signed at least five nondisclosure agreements with artificial intelligence data center developers, sometimes years before projects became public. The disclosures have intensified concerns about transparency, while lawmakers and communities consider restrictions on data center NDAs and a possible moratorium in Kenosha.
Records obtained under Wisconsin’s public records law show that the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. signed at least five NDAs with developers pursuing large data centers, including projects involving Microsoft, Meta, OpenAI, Oracle, Vantage and QTS. Some agreements predated public announcements by months or years, including the Microsoft project in Mount Pleasant, the Meta facility in Beaver Dam, the OpenAI-Oracle-Vantage project in Port Washington, and proposals in Menomonie and DeForest.
State Rep. Clint Moses said he plans to expand proposed legislation banning local data center NDAs to include WEDC. Local opposition has delayed or halted several projects, including proposals in Menomonie and DeForest, while residents in Kenosha are seeking a moratorium as the city considers a Microsoft data center. Columbia County and the Beloit Town Board have adopted limits on officials’ ability to sign data center NDAs, while business groups argue confidentiality is necessary to compete for major investments.