Hobart Residents Protest Amazon Data Center Before Mayor's Address

Locals voice concerns over planned facility ahead of State of the City speech.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:58am

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A minimalist studio photograph featuring a collection of industrial-style metal and glass objects, including a server rack, network cables, and a data storage device, arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background to symbolize the abstract concept of data infrastructure and its impact on local communities.A conceptual still life representing the tensions between technology expansion and local community concerns.Hobart Today

Dozens of Hobart, Indiana residents gathered outside the local high school on Wednesday to protest Amazon's plans to build a new data center in their community. The demonstration took place just before Mayor Josh Huddlestun was set to deliver his annual State of the City address.

Why it matters

The proposed Amazon data center has become a contentious issue in Hobart, with many residents expressing concerns over the potential environmental impact, increased traffic, and strain on local infrastructure. The protest underscores the growing tensions between the community and the tech giant as it seeks to expand its footprint in the region.

The details

Holding signs and chanting slogans, the protesters voiced their opposition to the data center project, which they argue will negatively affect the character of their small town. Residents cited concerns over water usage, noise pollution, and the strain on the local power grid as key reasons for their resistance to the facility.

  • The protest took place on Wednesday, April 3, 2026, just hours before Mayor Huddlestun's State of the City address.
  • Amazon first announced plans for the Hobart data center in January 2026.

The players

Hobart, Indiana

A small city in northwestern Indiana, located approximately 30 miles southeast of Chicago.

Amazon

The multinational technology company that is planning to build a new data center in Hobart.

Josh Huddlestun

The mayor of Hobart, who was set to deliver the annual State of the City address on the day of the protest.

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What they’re saying

“We won't let Amazon come in and destroy our community. This is our home, and we're going to fight to protect it.”

— Sarah Wilkins, Hobart resident

“The data center will bring jobs and economic growth, but we need to make sure it's done in a way that respects the character of our town and the concerns of our residents.”

— Mayor Josh Huddlestun

What’s next

Mayor Huddlestun is expected to address the data center controversy during his State of the City speech, where he may provide more details on the city's plans to work with Amazon to address residents' concerns.

The takeaway

The protest in Hobart highlights the ongoing tensions between communities and tech giants like Amazon as they seek to expand their operations. While the promise of jobs and economic growth can be enticing, residents are increasingly demanding that the environmental and infrastructure impacts of such projects be carefully considered and mitigated.