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MARQUETTE -- From 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, the Lake Superior Community Partnership will be hosting a community informational session on data centers in the basement room at Peter White Public Library.
"Join us for an informational session about what communities should know about data centers and how to prepare if a project comes your way," said the event description. "Hear from experts, learn about potential benefits and challenges, and have the opportunity to ask questions."
Featured speakers at the event will be Ron Akers of the Charter Township of Van Buren and Dakota Baker of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance.
Van Buren, a township in Macomb County, recently became home to a Google data center project. In a May 11 article by MLive titled "Google pitches Michigan on a different kind of data center. Some don't buy it," Akers is quoted as saying that the Google data center project was "the most extensively researched and evaluated site that I've ever worked on."
MLive reports that while Akers and other township representatives have stressed that the project has been heavily vetted and regulated, many Van Buren residents continue to have concerns about certain aspects of the project, such as the non-disclosure agreement Akers and other township officials signed while the project was in its infancy.
The full MLive article can be read here: https://www.mlive.com/news/2026/05/google-pitches-michigan-on-a-different-kind-of-data-center-some-dont-buy-it.html.
The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance describes itself on their website as "elevating and advancing local business." Their focus is on advocating for rural business-forward policy at the legislative level. Baker is their director. The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance has participated in past public information sessions on data centers in other parts of Northern Michigan.
"(Thursday's) session is intended to provide information and context around data centers, including potential opportunities, considerations and impacts associated with this type of development," said LSCP in a press release about the event. "The goal of the event is not to advocate for or against data centers, but to create a space where community members can become better informed and engage in the conversation."
"As Marquette County's local economic development organization, we have a responsibility to help our community understand the issues and opportunities that could impact our economy," said Natalie Chmiko, CEO of the Lake Superior Community Partnership. "Our role with this event isn't to advocate for or against data centers. It’s to provide an opportunity for community members and municipal leaders to learn more and ask questions.”
Those interested in attending Thursday's LSCP event can register for free on LSCP's website at https://members.marquette.org/ap/Events/Register/v5FJw2BUKCyCm. Doors for the event open at 5:30.
Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.