Cushman and Wakefield

Youngstown leaders pursued major data center for past year, emails reveal

Youngstown city leaders, including Mayor McDowell's administration, have been secretly pursuing a "multibillion dollar" data center development with companies like Wharton Equity and LightHouse Data Centers for over a year. This pursuit comes despite known public opposition and the fact that nearby communities have enacted moratoriums due to concerns about noise, water use, and pollution. The city has engaged with utilities and site selection firms while attempting to manage public messaging.