MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
UPDATE: The community data center forum has been moved to the large auditorium at the Stringer Fine Arts Center. We have made those changes in the article below.
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HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson and Reno County residents will have an opportunity Tuesday evening to share their views on potential data center development in the community.
The forum begins this evening at 5:30 p.m. in the large auditorium at the Stringer Fine Arts Center on the campus of Hutchinson Community College. Organizers said the event is intended to give residents a voice before local officials make long-term decisions involving data centers.
Hutchinson City Council member Stacy Goss will discuss planning and zoning measures that could be used to protect the community. State Sen. Mike Murphy will address Senate Bill 98 and the tax incentives it established for qualifying data centers in Kansas.
Former state Rep. Jason Probst will present data center best practices identified by the Bipartisan Policy Center for communities considering such projects.
The forum will include live, anonymous polling on residents’ concerns, priorities and values. Results will appear on a screen in real time and will be discussed before the event concludes.
Organizers said the meeting will not use a traditional open-microphone format. Discussion will be limited to keep the event focused and avoid confrontational exchanges similar to those seen during data center debates in other communities.
Participants will instead be able to use an online tool to submit specific questions, concerns and ideas. Feedback collected through the tool and live polling will be provided to local policymakers, including members of the Hutchinson City Council.
The forum comes as Hutchinson and Reno County officials consider how data centers should be regulated locally. Public concerns have included water consumption, noise, energy demand and potential effects on surrounding properties.