Wisconsin town becomes first to restrict data centers as pushback grows nationwide

Published April 8, 2026 12:13pm ET



A small Wisconsin town approved a ballot measure requiring voter approval for future data center projects, reflecting growing public pushback nationwide.

About 66% of Port Washington voters approved a referendum requiring city leaders to obtain voter approval before granting developers tax incentives exceeding $10 million or more. The ballot measure was proposed by residents and a local anti-data center group, Great Lakes Neighbors United.

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