County residents organized into a group after county commissioners approved a proposed 41-acre Global AI data center nearby. Following months of organizing and public testimony, the group began collecting signatures for two measures: a referendum that would ask voters to reconsider the project’s approval and an initiative requiring voter approval before future data centers receive occupancy permits. Each petition needs 9,103 valid signatures to reach the ballot.
Why It Matters
The campaign gives residents a direct voice in major development decisions that could affect electricity and water demand, noise, infrastructure and surrounding communities. It also illustrates how citizens can use public testimony, petitions and direct democracy when they believe consequential land-use decisions require broader public consent.