Kent County Sees Surge in Data Center Proposals

Economic development agency works to recruit tech giants, but faces community pushback

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Kent County, Michigan has seen a recent influx of data center proposals from major tech companies like Microsoft. The Right Place, an economic development agency, has played a key role in recruiting these investments, citing favorable tax policies, infrastructure, and climate conditions. However, the proposals have faced public criticism from residents concerned about environmental impact, water usage, and lack of transparency around the planning process.

Why it matters

Data centers represent a significant economic opportunity for Kent County, potentially generating millions in annual property tax revenue. But the rapid pace of proposals and their large scale have raised concerns from local communities about the tradeoffs involved, leading to delays and moratoriums as officials try to balance the benefits and drawbacks.

The details

The Right Place, a Grand Rapids-based economic development agency, has worked to attract data center investments to Kent County after Michigan changed its tax policies in 2024 to be more favorable. The agency connects tech companies like Microsoft to local officials to discuss zoning and community alignment. However, residents have voiced concerns about issues like water usage, light/noise pollution, and lack of transparency around the planning process. This has led to delays and moratoriums as townships try to get more information and ensure the proposals fit their long-term vision.

  • In late 2024, Michigan changed its tax policies to provide sales and use tax exemptions for data centers, opening the door for more investment.
  • In December 2025, Lowell Township put a rezoning request for a data center on hold, citing a need for more details.
  • In January 2026, Microsoft identified itself as the company behind the Lowell Township proposal.
  • In February 2026, Microsoft asked for a delay on its Gaines Township data center proposal to revise the rezoning request and respond to community concerns.
  • In February 2026, Solon Township enacted a six-month moratorium on new data center proposals.

The players

The Right Place

A Grand Rapids-based economic development agency that has worked to recruit data center investments to Kent County.

Randy Thelen

The founder and CEO of The Right Place.

Microsoft

A major tech company that has proposed data center projects in Gaines and Lowell Townships in Kent County.

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What they’re saying

“Right now, we're in this awkward moment where the companies are trying to do their best to respond to community needs or community concerns, but it takes time.”

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

“These are great companies. They're not looking to be bad neighbors. I just think they got off on the wrong foot. We've got to find a way to have an open conversation about the pros and the cons.”

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

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.