Data Center

'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 City of Bloomington believes childcare accessibility and affordability are “critical” issues for the community, said Tyus. “It's just as important as finding quality employees,” he said.

The city council unanimously approved an agreement with Habitat for Humanity that includes allocating $80,000 to develop two homes on Trailside Court as part of the city's "ReBloom the Block" program. City staff said the infusion of funds will speed up the non-profit's building schedule.

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.

Morton Industries is expanding its operations in the Greater Peoria region with the addition of an 80,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in East Peoria. The company said the site will be dedicated to stainless steel production for the growing data center market.

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.

The city recently announced its planning commission will meet publicly at 5 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts. There will be a panel of experts and others who have experience with data centers.

The City of Bloomington will host a public planning commission meeting focused on hyperscale data centers at 5 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.