Protest Planned as Mankato Chamber Hosts Data Center Workshop
A data center workshop hosted by the Greater Mankato Growth Chamber is scheduled in Mankato, Minnesota. Community members are planning a protest outside the members-only event due to concerns about data center impacts like water and energy use, and a perceived lack of public access to discussions shaping future development. The Chamber states it is not aware of any active data center plans for the area.
The Greater Mankato Growth Chamber of Commerce is hosting a members-only workshop in Mankato, Minnesota, focusing on data centers. The event, scheduled for Wednesday at the Courtyard by Marriott, aims to educate local business leaders on the growing industry, covering business, energy, environmental, and public policy aspects. Greater Mankato Growth Executive Vice President Andy Wilke stated the chamber is not aware of any active data center development plans in the Mankato area.
However, the workshop has garnered public attention, with community members and students planning a protest outside the event along Raintree Road. Ksenia Miller, a Minnesota State University, Mankato student, is helping organize the protest, citing concerns about water use, energy demand, and potential utility cost increases. Protesters also voiced frustration over the workshop's private nature, believing discussions about future development decisions should include broader community input. Wilke indicated the chamber is open to partnering on future public events to engage with the wider community on the topic.