The rapid expansion of AI and the digital economy has placed data centers at the center of a national conversation. While headlines often focus on local resistance to these massive server complexes, a closer look at the data and economic reality suggests that opposition is an exaggerated trend that does not reflect broader public sentiment. These facilities represent a critical infrastructure investment essential for the state and the Detroit Region to remain competitive in the 21st-century economy.
A new Politico poll reveals that despite reports of fierce local backlash, national opinion remains largely open or favorable. According to the survey, 37% of respondents support building a data center in their local area, while only 28% are opposed. A significant portion of the population remains neutral or undecided, 36%, suggesting that the narrative of widespread public rejection is driven by a vocal minority rather than a consensus.
During a session at the Detroit Policy Conference, Ambassador John Rakolta Jr. emphasized the scale of this missed opportunity. Rakolta described data centers as the most fantastic economic development opportunity in the last 150 years, comparing their impact to the rise of the automotive industry a century ago. He noted that while a single facility might employ only 75 people internally, the economic activity within a 50-mile radius is enormous.
In Michigan, the shift toward tech-centric infrastructure is a natural evolution for an industrial powerhouse. Data centers are high-value assets that drive significant investment. Nationally, 37% of Politico survey respondents cited local job creation as the primary benefit of these projects. Rakolta highlighted the Saline project as a prime example, noting it would peak at over 2,500 tradesmen and generate over $7 billion in construction value.
Furthermore, the fiscal benefits for local municipalities are transformative. In the Detroit Regional Chamber-supported Saline project, property tax revenue from the site is expected to swell from $150,000 to $25 million annually. This revenue allows municipalities to fund essential services and potentially lower tax rates for residents. Proposals to block these developments are anti-growth and risk leaving the Region in the dark as these centers turn their lights on across the country.
The Chamber remains committed to advocating for a business climate that welcomes innovation. As Rakolta stated, the state cannot allow a few naysayers to destroy Michigan’s potential. By focusing on the tangible benefits of job creation and tax revenue, the state can ensure that data center opposition does not derail the Region’s economic momentum.