Liberty data center deal funds new AI ethics nonprofit

The KSHB 41 report details a newly approved data center deal in Liberty, Missouri, involving Metro Blocks, which is set to fund a new AI ethics nonprofit. Liberty officials recently approved $202.7 million in tax abatements over 25 years for the Metro Blocks data center. In addition to $49 million in taxes for Clay County jurisdictions, the developer and a future tenant agreed to contribute $27.075 million to the newly formed Liberty Institute for Science and Ethics. This nonprofit aims to conduct original scientific research and examine the ethics of AI and robotics. According to the Mayor, the funding from Metro Blocks for the institute is separate from the data center company itself. The institute plans to house faculty on a college campus, with professors like Bakeries involved, who emphasize the need for appropriate use of AI tools. The nonprofit, incorporated on March 20th, will initially have its board of directors appointed by the City of Liberty, with four of the seven members being city council members, including the Mayor, all serving in voluntary positions. While some neighbors have raised questions regarding the institute's transparency and board selection, the Mayor confirmed that the nonprofit will be subject to Missouri's Sunshine Law requirements, and annual audits will be made public.