A new study predicts data centers expected to be built in Illinois over the next decade would create thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in new property tax revenue.

How much potential water exists in Bloomington-Normal and McLean County is difficult to tell. Experts tell WGLT the lack of understanding and potential differences in each and every data center's need for water make it impossible to say how much one would need or use.

If Bloomington-Normal government leaders decide they want to bring a data center to the community, they would need to demonstrate that the community has the energy capacity to sustain it. That remains an open question.

The forum is scheduled for 5-8 p.m. on Aug. 26 at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts. Questions will be submitted electronically before the event.

The emergence of a new class of data centers has garnered bipartisan opposition in communities across the state. What was once seen as an avenue for economic growth has become a political issue in Illinois.

'Money, Money, Money' is what data centers promise to prospective communities willing to host them. In hubs Aurora and DeKalb, WGLT visited the sites to understand what their property tax revenue can offer and what projects are possible.

Before and once operation begins, data centers are becoming increasingly subjected to regulations by their host municipalities. WGLT visited Aurora, where some of the strictest rules exist, and DeKalb, which does not require much.

In a tale of two data center cities, Aurora and DeKalb are two examples of how location, regulation and revenue affect the residents where they sit. WGLT visited both to find answers.

The owner of the home on Fairway Drive said he posted the sign to raise awareness that not everyone opposes the idea of a data center near Bloomington-Normal.

Normal City Manager Pam Reece said Bloomington is giving Normal the opportunity to participate in the city's public forum on Aug. 26 at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.