How some DeKalb residents are mobilizing to push local government for greater transparency over data centers
DeKalb residents are organizing against additional data center development and seeking greater transparency about water use and environmental impacts. Alderwoman Carolyn Zasada plans to ask Mayor Cohen Barnes to support a moratorium and local regulations, while the city already has a Meta facility and is developing an Edged project.
DeKalb residents and local officials are mobilizing after the City Council approved a second data center in December 2025. First Ward Alderwoman Carolyn Zasada said she plans to ask Mayor Cohen Barnes to support a moratorium on new data centers and develop rules requiring greater transparency, public hearings and accountability. DeKalb County Board member Meryl Greer Domina and City Council member Mike Verbic also supported the community effort.
Residents raised particular concerns about industrial water use and the city’s ability to provide accurate information. The city’s first data center, Meta’s 2.3-million-square-foot campus, opened in 2023, while a second facility using a closed-loop system is under construction by Edged, a subsidiary of Endeavour Energy. The Citizen Advocacy Center described possible municipal tools including zoning changes, special-use requirements and moratoriums, while pending Illinois legislation would establish broader environmental, water and energy reporting requirements for data centers.