In town halls and public squares across Michigan, people are debating whether data centers should be part of their neighborhoods.

Some communities have hit pause on data center development — the massive server farms that power artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

The concerns are straightforward: these facilities can consume as much electricity as a large city. They often use millions of gallons of water a day, and critics say they deliver few permanent jobs for the enormous tax breaks they receive.

Now Detroit has entered the fray.

Last month, Detroit City Could voted 6-2 to ask Mayor Mary Sheffield to impose a two-year freeze on all new data center permits.

Detroit City Council Member Scott Benson is leading that effort. He has convened a working group of city planners, utility officials and environmental advocates with a December 31 deadline to develop zoning rules for data centers.

Benson joined Robyn Vincent on The Metro to discuss why he is pushing for a two-year pause and what Detroit needs to get right before data centers arrive.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

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Detroit City Councilman Scott Benson met with a group of community leaders on Friday to discuss planning for new zoning rules for data centers. The city passed a resolution last month supporting a two-year data center moratorium.

The group that met consisted of the city’s planning commission, members of the mayor’s administration and the Detroit Economic Development Corporation, as well as DTE Energy and other tech experts.

Residents across the state have spoken out against data centers, citing concerns over energy costs, lost farmlands, and air, noise, and water pollution. The group will hold its next meeting on May 8. 

Additional headlines for Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Senior Citizen Solid Waste Discount

The City of Detroit is looking to help ease property taxes for seniors by opening the Senior Citizen Solid Waste Discount applications early so that the 50% off discount can be applied to homeowners’ summer property tax bills. The deadline for early application is tomorrow, April 15.

The solid waste fee this year is $270, but with the discount seniors would only pay $135. To be eligible, homeowners must be at least 65 years old, their home must be their primary residence and the applicant must be listed as the property owner on the city’s tax rolls.

For more information or to apply visit detroitmi.gov/dtsc.

Volunteers needed for Motor City Makeover

The City of Detroit is looking for volunteers for this year’s Motor City Makeover program. The program is a city-wide cleanup and beautification effort set for three Saturdays in May. 

Volunteers clean up the city as well as plant trees and flowers and distribute vegetable plants. This year, youth can submit a design for a new Motor City Makeover T-shirt. For more information visit motorcitymakeover.org. 

Rising Voices hosts potluck, seeks to hire Community Navigator

The nonprofit group “Rising Voices” is hosting a potluck celebration called Feast of Resistance. This year’s theme is “building the table together” with the goal of celebrating Asian American and other immigrant communities by looking at how their stories live in the food they make and the spaces they create together.

The event will be held on Sunday May 2 from 5-9 p.m. at the Association of Chinese Americans Community Center. That’s at 32585 Concord Drive in Madison Heights. The event is free and open to the public. For more information on upcoming events check out their website: risingvoicesaaf.org. 

Rising Voices is also looking to hire a Community Navigator. The role is a full time, hybrid position for one year with the possibility of extending the position.

The Community Navigator will help connect community members to legal resources, mutual aid, and essential support. Lived experience, organizing, or volunteer work is welcome. Training will be provided.

Ford Fireworks nominated for national recognition

The Parade Company announced that USA Today has nominated the Ford Fireworks as one of the best places in the country to see fireworks this summer. The show is recognized as one of the largest of its type in the country. The public can vote online daily.

Voting ends on May 11 at 11:59 p.m.. The Ford Fireworks will be held on Detroit’s riverfront on Monday June 22. 

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.