Biz leaders push data centers, warning Michigan may miss ‘golden ticket’

May 30, 2026

Business leaders at the Mackinac Policy Conference are urging Michigan to rapidly approve data center projects, warning the state has only 12-18 months to capitalize on an AI infrastructure investment boom before opportunities disappear. While executives argue these facilities will generate construction jobs, tax revenue, and economic growth, the push faces significant bipartisan resistance from Michigan communities concerned about the massive land, water, and energy demands of these projects. Recent polling shows only one-third of Michiganders support data centers within 25 miles of their homes, even with strict regulations in place.

Who is affected

Michigan residents and voters, particularly those in 11 counties where data centers have been proposed
Business leaders and construction companies (specifically John Rakolta's Walbridge construction company)
Consumers Energy and its customers
Saline Township residents (population 2,500) where a $7 billion data center is being built
Van Buren Township residents in Wayne County near a 282-acre Google data center
Political candidates including Sen. Mallory McMorrow, Abdul El-Sayed, Perry Johnson, and Rep. John James
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan lawmakers
Data center operators including Google, OpenAI, and Oracle
Detroit Regional Chamber

What action is being taken

Walbridge is building a $7 billion data center in Saline Township for OpenAI and Oracle
Consumers Energy is working with two large hyperscalers going through the zoning process
Google is establishing a 282-acre data center (Project Cannoli) in Van Buren Township
Some Michigan communities have adopted data center moratoriums
Developers sued Saline Township officials and settled out of court
Gov. Whitmer is championing data center development and supporting the Saline Township project

Why it matters

This issue matters because Michigan faces a time-sensitive decision about whether to pursue billions of dollars in AI infrastructure investment that business leaders claim will create jobs and tax revenue, but which could fundamentally impact the state's natural resources and community character. The tension reflects a broader conflict between economic development priorities and environmental concerns, particularly regarding water usage from the Great Lakes, energy demands on the electrical grid, and land use in rural communities. The controversy has become a defining political issue that is shaping gubernatorial and Senate races, revealing deep divisions about whether Michigan should prioritize attracting tech investment or protecting community interests and natural resources.

What's next

Sen. Mallory McMorrow wants Michigan to implement more guardrails for data center projects
Google official Liz Schwab expressed openness to working on community benefit agreements with a future governor
Two large hyperscalers working with Consumers Energy are going through the zoning process
The next governor (after Whitmer's term ends at year's end) will determine the state's future approach to data centers

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com