Ferguson approves controversial tax incentives for tech hub, data center
Ferguson officials have approved a controversial plan to provide tax incentives for a tech hub and data center on the former Emerson campus. The city council voted to pass a bill sponsored by council member Nick Kasoff despite public opposition and dissenting votes from some council members.
The Ferguson City Council on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, approved a controversial plan to offer tax incentives for the redevelopment of the former Emerson Electric headquarters campus into a tech hub and data center. The decision followed a contentious council meeting where residents expressed both support and opposition.
Council member Nick Kasoff sponsored the bill, which ultimately passed despite opposition from Mayor Adrian Shropshire and council member Jamil Franklin. Resident Fran Griffin spoke against the redevelopment, while Robert Tracy expressed support. Other residents also presented public comments and handed out opposition signage outside City Hall.
The approval signifies a significant step forward for the data center project, moving past the local government approval stage despite community divisions regarding the development.