Summary
The board reversed course, withdrawing its resolution welcoming U-M's computing center at Willow Run after learning U-M closed on the Textile Road site, and instead voted to support local data center moratoriums. Residents from Ypsilanti Township opposed the project over neighborhood impacts, militarization concerns, and safety.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 7, 2026.
Impact analysis
Supports local control over a project that could affect township tax bases and infrastructure, while a related resolution seeks to claw back a $100 million state grant.
Residents of Ypsilanti-area townships who want a voice in whether the data center is built near their neighborhoods.
Proponents of the computing center, including the university and economic development interests, lose the board's endorsement.
Mentions & discussions (5)
Board of Commissioners Working Session - Oct 7, 2026
The Saline data center is being counted as a potential budget hero, but the county won't see its first tax impact until the 2027 equalization report, with full impact not until 2030 — and rapid equipment depreciation could make those valuations volatile. Officials are also bracing for tax abatement battles with the state.
Board of Commissioners - Mar 18, 2026
The board reversed course, withdrawing its resolution welcoming U-M's computing center at Willow Run after learning U-M closed on the Textile Road site, and instead voted to support local data center moratoriums. Residents from Ypsilanti Township opposed the project over neighborhood impacts, militarization concerns, and safety.
Board of Commissioners Working Session - Mar 18, 2026
Opposition is growing to a proposed U-M high-performance computing center, and U-M closed on the Textile Road site. The board adopted a resolution supporting local moratoriums.
Board of Commissioners - Mar 4, 2026
Nine public speakers demanded the board oppose the University of Michigan's high performance computing center outright — not just move it from a park to the Willow Run/American Center for Mobility site. Speakers cited environmental racism, nuclear weapons research ties to Los Alamos, and energy costs falling on Ypsilanti residents. The board postponed its Willow Run recommendation resolution to March 18 for rework.
Board of Commissioners Working Session - Mar 4, 2026
Dozens of speakers demanded the county oppose the data center entirely rather than merely support relocating it from South Hydro Park to the American Center for Mobility, citing environmental racism, nuclear-weapons research ties and DTE cost burdens. Vice Chair Hodge explained the board has limited power and the resolution was postponed for rework.
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