Coweta City Manager Faces Backlash Over Data Center Comments

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The city manager of Coweta, Oklahoma, Julie Casteen, is facing criticism after texts surfaced showing her disparaging residents who have protested a proposed data center project in the town. Casteen referred to many of the protesters as "not very smart" and unable to "accept change", angering local residents who have raised concerns about the potential impact of the data center on utility costs and the environment.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights the tensions that can arise when local governments pursue large-scale development projects without adequately addressing community concerns. Casteen's dismissive comments have eroded trust between the city administration and residents, raising questions about whether the data center proposal will move forward in the face of growing opposition.

The details

Casteen's comments were revealed through an open records request filed by local resident Darren Blanchard. In the texts, Casteen wrote that "a lot of the people protesting are just not very smart and can't accept change" and that many "don't have a lot of concerns about it." She also claimed that the "biggest concern is utility costs potentially rising" but argued that would happen "whether Atlas is approved or not." Casteen later apologized for her comments, but the damage to her credibility with residents appears to have been done.

• On January 8, Darren Blanchard filed an open records request with the city seeking communications about the proposed data center.
• In November 2022, Coweta City Manager Julie Casteen made the controversial comments during a city council meeting where residents had questions about the data center project.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Casteen has apologized for her comments, but it remains to be seen whether the controversy will impact the proposed data center project or her standing as city manager.