Spokane County Data Center Backlash

News Clip0:22NonStop Local·Spokane County, WA·8/14/2026

Residents in Spokane County continue to express strong concerns about data center development after public records revealed Commissioner Al French met with a developer. During a recent agenda meeting, public comment was extended due to the volume of participants wanting to address the council about data centers.

oppositiongovernment
Gov: Spokane County, Commissioner Al French

In Spokane County, the prospect of data center development remains a significant concern for many residents. This issue gained renewed attention after a resident's public records request disclosed that Commissioner Al French had held meetings with a data center developer. The revelation fueled existing community anxieties regarding data center expansion in the area.

During a recent agenda meeting of the local council, the duration for public comments was notably extended to a full 30 minutes. This extension was granted to accommodate numerous participants, who were randomly selected to voice their opinions. A significant portion of these comments directly addressed residents' apprehension and opposition to data centers.