Microsoft Data Center Letter to the Editor: Open Letter 2026
Kenosha residents opposing Microsoft's proposed data center say the project has been developed with inadequate transparency and community engagement. They cite potential energy and water consumption, pollution risks and noise concerns, and say they are organizing protests and attending city council meetings to oppose the development.
In an open letter addressed to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and President Brad Smith, Kenoshans United Against Microsoft Data Center criticized the company's proposed facility on 240 acres of Wisconsin farmland. The group alleges that a nondisclosure agreement with the city limited public input and says Microsoft has not held community forums or town halls about the project.
The opponents said they remain concerned about the facility's potential energy and water use, pollution and impacts on utility bills. They pointed to protests, informational events and packed city council meetings as evidence of continued local opposition, saying they will keep organizing until Microsoft abandons the Kenosha project.