West Michigan Sees Influx of Data Center Development, Sparking Community Concerns

The Right Place, an economic development organization, promotes data center growth, but locals voice opposition

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Right Place, an economic development organization serving West Michigan, is actively working to attract data center developers to the region as part of its new three-year strategic plan. The plan aims to create nearly 4,500 jobs and attract $700 million in capital investment, with data centers and AI being a key focus. However, the data center development is facing pushback from some community members who have raised concerns about the projects.

Why it matters

Data centers are seen as an important part of the modern economy, but their development can also have significant impacts on local communities. While the economic benefits of data center projects are touted, there are often concerns about issues like environmental impact, water usage, and the potential for gentrification. This tension highlights the need to balance economic growth with community needs and concerns.

The details

The Right Place, which has supported the creation of 50,000 jobs over the past 40 years, believes data centers and AI will be a crucial part of the region's economic future. The organization's new strategic plan focuses on attracting data center projects as part of its efforts in advanced manufacturing, health sciences, and technology. However, community members have raised concerns about these data center developments, and The Right Place acknowledges that "the community has raised some concerns" that they are working to address through "an open and informed conversation."

  • The Right Place unveiled its new three-year strategic plan on February 12, 2026.
  • The organization has supported the creation of 50,000 jobs over the past 40 years.

The players

The Right Place

An economic development organization serving West Michigan that is actively promoting data center development in the region.

Randy Thelen

The President and CEO of The Right Place, who discussed the organization's plans and the community concerns surrounding data center development.

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What they’re saying

“We have some work to do. Right? The community has raised some concerns. We're finding ways to see if those concerns can be addressed. We believe they can be, and have an open and informed conversation about what the pros and cons are.”

— Randy Thelen, President and CEO, The Right Place (fox17online.com)

The takeaway

The push for data center development in West Michigan highlights the ongoing tension between economic growth and community concerns. As The Right Place works to attract these projects, it will need to engage in open and transparent dialogue with local residents to address their valid concerns and find a balanced approach that supports both economic development and the well-being of the community.