Companies Show Interest in Bringing Data Center to Jackson County

Officials say data centers are an 'inevitable need' as companies inquire about facilities in the area

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:50am

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A photorealistic studio shot of a polished, geometric data storage server or network switch made of sleek metal and glass, floating on a clean, monochromatic background with dramatic studio lighting casting deep shadows.As Jackson County explores the potential of data centers, a minimalist still life captures the sleek, high-tech hardware that could shape the region's economic future.East Lansing Today

Jackson County Board of Commissioners Chair Jim Shotwell says data centers are an "inevitable need" as companies continue to inquire about bringing facilities to the area, just days after Deep Green pulled its plans for a downtown Lansing data center. Officials are working with Consumers Energy to identify the best locations for potential data centers, focusing on brownfield sites and unused industrial properties rather than new development.

Why it matters

Data centers could provide much-needed tax revenue for Jackson County without raising taxes on residents. The county is facing ongoing infrastructure challenges and needs new sources of revenue. Some residents support data centers as long as they can supply their own power, but there are concerns about the impact on energy costs and the environment.

The details

Several companies have been "kicking tires" and looking at properties in Jackson County for potential data center development. The county is working with Consumers Energy to determine the best locations, focusing on brownfield sites and unused industrial properties. A battery storage facility is under construction in Summit Township to help manage local energy demands, though officials say this isn't specifically for data centers. Unlike some neighboring communities, Jackson County doesn't have the authority to halt data center development, as individual townships handle zoning decisions.

  • Companies have been inquiring about data centers in Jackson County in recent months.
  • Deep Green recently withdrew its plans for a downtown Lansing data center.

The players

Jim Shotwell

Jackson County Board of Commissioners Chair who says data centers are an "inevitable need" as companies continue to inquire about bringing facilities to the area.

Chris Tchorzynski

A Jackson County resident who supports data centers coming to the area as long as they can supply their own power.

Keith Gillenwater

President and CEO of Accelerate Jackson County, who says the organization is supportive of data center projects but wants to ensure they make sense for the community.

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What they’re saying

“We've had people kicking tires and looking at different properties and that type of stuff. Yes.”

— Jim Shotwell, Jackson County Board of Commissioners Chair

“[Data centers] might be good for jobs. Bring some jobs to this community. The only problem that I see would be people worried about power levels that would be consumed and the effect on their bills.”

— Chris Tchorzynski, Jackson County Resident

“We just have to decide what's going to be the best and safest way with the least impact environmentally on each one of these communities and I know these data centers can do that.”

— Jim Shotwell, Jackson County Board of Commissioners Chair

What’s next

Jackson County officials will continue working with Consumers Energy to identify the best locations for potential data centers, focusing on brownfield sites and unused industrial properties. The county will also work to educate the community and gather feedback on the potential impacts of data center development.

The takeaway

Data centers represent a new frontier for manufacturing and economic development in the information age, but Jackson County must balance the potential benefits with concerns over energy usage, environmental impact, and community acceptance. Careful planning and transparent communication will be key as the county explores this emerging opportunity.