Joliet City Council approves plans for what would be largest data center in Illinois

Name: Joliet City Council approves plans for what would be largest data center in Illinois
Uploaded: 2026-03-20T04:07:31.000Z
Duration: 2 min 8 s
Description: The Joliet City Council has approved plans for a large data center, the "Joliet Technology Center," despite significant public opposition regarding environmental impacts. The project is expected to bring substantial economic benefits, including property taxes and job creation, but residents remain concerned about long-term effects.

News Clip2:08ABC 7 Chicago·Joliet, Will County, IL·3/20/2026

The Joliet City Council has approved plans for a large data center, the "Joliet Technology Center," despite significant public opposition regarding environmental impacts. The project is expected to bring substantial economic benefits, including property taxes and job creation, but residents remain concerned about long-term effects.

zoningoppositionenvironmentalgovernmentannouncement

Gov: Joliet City Council, Will County, Joliet Township High School District, Joliet Junior College

The Joliet City Council in Illinois recently voted to approve plans for a significant data center project, provisionally named the Joliet Technology Center. The decision followed weeks of debate and hours of public testimony, where residents voiced strong concerns about the environmental impact of the proposed 795-acre facility, which will house 24 buildings near the Chicagoland Speedway. Many residents expressed feelings of being unheard and worried about potential "permanent damage" to their health and environment.
Despite community opposition, local union workers packed the council chambers, advocating for the project due to its substantial job creation potential, estimating 1,200 construction jobs over five years and 700 permanent on-site jobs. Joliet officials highlighted the significant economic benefits, projecting $310 million in property taxes over 30 years, with substantial revenue benefiting the Joliet Township High School District ($670 million), Will County ($146 million), and Joliet Junior College ($76 million).
The council's vote, with only one dissenting member, signifies the official start of construction planning for what is anticipated to be the largest data center in Illinois. While acknowledging the economic boost, many residents emphasized that health and environmental well-being should take precedence over temporary jobs.