Columbus Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposed Data Center Project

City Council hears from citizens and Project Ruby officials on issues and next steps for $5.18 billion development.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Columbus City Council heard from both residents opposing a proposed $5.18 billion data center project, named Project Ruby, as well as officials from the Choose Columbus development agency who provided more details on the project. Residents raised concerns about potential environmental impacts, water usage, and the relatively small number of jobs the project would create compared to the city's population. Officials from Choose Columbus argued the project would fit well in Columbus, which has hosted data centers since the 1960s, and said they would like to see requirements for setbacks, noise ordinances, and other mitigation measures.

Why it matters

The proposed data center project has sparked debate in the Columbus community, with residents voicing concerns about the potential environmental and infrastructure impacts, while economic development officials see it as an opportunity to bring high-paying jobs and investment to the region. The discussion highlights the tradeoffs cities often face when weighing the benefits of large-scale development projects against their potential downsides.

The details

The Project Ruby data center proposal calls for a $5.18 billion investment spanning land acquisition, construction, and equipment installation between 2027 and 2030. The site selected comprises approximately 900 undeveloped acres in northeast Muscogee County, bordering Harris and Talbot counties. Several residents spoke against the project at the City Council meeting, citing concerns about damage to natural waterways, the energy strain on the grid, and air pollution from the power source. They requested a proper risk assessment and transparency in the process. A local university professor also officially requested a 90- or 180-day moratorium on data center development in the city, citing uncertainties around issues like noise, water usage, and grid impacts. However, one City Council member said he does not support a moratorium, arguing this is not a rushed approach. Officials from Choose Columbus, the local economic development agency, said they would like to see requirements for setbacks, noise ordinances, and other mitigation measures included in the project.

  • The Columbus City Council heard the public comments and presentation on the proposed data center project during its meeting on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
  • The $5.18 billion Project Ruby data center development is planned to take place between 2027 and 2030, according to Choose Columbus.

The players

Kaycee Burdett

A Columbus resident who spoke against the proposed data center project at the City Council meeting, citing concerns about impacts to natural waterways and the relatively small number of jobs it would create compared to the city's population.

Troy Keller

The chairman of the Environmental Science Department at Columbus State University and a member of Clean Energy Columbus, who officially requested a 90- or 180-day moratorium on data center development in the city.

John Anker

A Columbus City Council member representing citywide District 9, who said he does not support a moratorium on data center development.

Missy Kendrick

The president and CEO of Choose Columbus and the Development Authority of Columbus, who provided more details about the proposed Project Ruby data center during the City Council meeting.

Skip Henderson

The mayor of Columbus, who invited Missy Kendrick to share information about the proposed data center project after citizens spoke against it.

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What they’re saying

“This is too big of a decision to take lightly, and it will impact future generations. We've seen communities be negatively impacted by damage to natural waterways, and there is an overall growing concern with generative AI, especially in their use of clean water to maintain hardware temperature and data warehouses.”

— Kaycee Burdett, Columbus Resident (The Columbus)

“Given all of the uncertainties associated with data centers, I'd like to suggest four reasons to consider a moratorium.”

— Troy Keller, Chairman, Environmental Science Department, Columbus State University; Member, Clean Energy Columbus (The Columbus)

“I don't find it necessary at this point. This is not a hurried, rushed approach.”

— John Anker, Columbus City Council Member, District 9 (The Columbus)

“A data center project would fit perfectly.”

— Missy Kendrick, President and CEO, Choose Columbus; President, Development Authority of Columbus (The Columbus)

“Early data centers did make a lot of noise and did use a lot of water. But, as next generations have come along, they have come up with ways to mitigate some of the factors.”

— Missy Kendrick, President and CEO, Choose Columbus; President, Development Authority of Columbus (The Columbus)

What’s next

The Columbus City Council will continue to evaluate the proposed Project Ruby data center development, including potentially setting requirements for setbacks, noise ordinances, and other mitigation measures. The state legislature is also considering a bill that would put a statewide moratorium on data centers for one year.

The takeaway

The debate over the proposed $5.18 billion data center project in Columbus highlights the complex tradeoffs cities face when weighing the potential economic benefits of large-scale development against the concerns of residents about environmental impacts and infrastructure strain. As data centers become more prevalent, communities will likely continue to grapple with balancing growth and sustainability.