Where they stand on data centers
On concerns about hyperscale data centers
Citizens in Sioux Falls and similar communities have several key concerns regarding hyper-scale data centers. The primary issues center on the significant strain these facilities place on local resources. Rising Utility Costs: Residents worry that the enormous electricity and water demands of data centers will drive up bills for households and businesses. Data centers require constant high-volume power for servers and cooling, potentially shifting costs onto the broader community.Infrastructure Reliability: Many express concern that Sioux Falls’ existing electrical grid is not equipped to handle the massive power loads. This could lead to outages or blackouts, especially during peak demand or extreme weather, disrupting daily life and local businesses.
How they’d address those concerns
I take the concerns raised by Sioux Falls residents very seriously—they are genuine, well-founded, and must be addressed with honesty and care. Hyper-scale data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity and water, and it is realistic to expect upward pressure on utility rates and potential risks to grid reliability, including blackouts. These facilities are industrial in nature and do not belong near residential neighborhoods. I am against placing hyper-scale data centers close to homes precisely because of the quality-of-life and cost burdens they can impose on families. If a project moves forward despite these concerns, strict measures must be implemented to protect residents: The operator must fully cover any infrastructure upgrades required. Dedicated power and water supplies should be secured so residential rates are not impacted. Transparent, independent impact studies and clear cost-allocation agreements must be in place before approval. Strong operational restrictions on noise, traffic, and resource usage should be enforced. Residents should not subsidize or bear the risks of these large-scale industrial projects. My priority is ensuring any development truly protects Sioux Falls families first.
Other candidates in this race
Central District Council Member · Sioux Falls Ward-5
