<\/p>\n
In the past year, I have closely followed data center stories throughout the state of Michigan, particularly the University of Michigan\u2019s development in Ypsilanti Township<\/a> and OpenAI\u2019s in Saline Township<\/a>. Some data center projects have gone through despite public disapproval<\/a>; however, many have also faced successful resistance movements, like those in Kalkaska<\/a>, Howell<\/a>, Wixom<\/a> and Augusta Township<\/a>.<\/p>\n One thing that has struck me as the midterm elections approach is how politicians have begun attending data center meetings alongside the citizens they either already represent or hope to. Watching the issue\u2019s visibility increase, it has become quite clear that data centers will be a deciding factor in this consequential election year.<\/p>\n At an Ypsilanti Board of Trustees meeting in August, Ypsilanti Township resident Veleria Banks called on her community to act and criticized current state leaders.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cLet them know we aren\u2019t going to stand for this,\u201d Banks said. \u201cAnd let our governor know: Your exit interview is an F.\u201d<\/p>\n