Advocacy News – June 25, 2026
The big picture: As conversations around data center development accelerate across Michigan, the Michigan Chamber Foundation, in partnership with the Detroit Regional Chamber, commissioned an independent analysis by Public Sector Consultants (PSC) to help move the discussion beyond rhetoric and toward practical, fact-based solutions.
- The resulting report outlines how Michigan can responsibly compete for next-generation investment by building on existing safeguards with targeted policy improvements that strengthen transparency and public confidence.
- The findings make clear Michigan doesn’t need to choose between economic opportunity and community protections – it can achieve both.
Why it matters: Data centers have become essential infrastructure for today’s economy, powering everything from manufacturing and healthcare to banking, logistics, education and the digital tools businesses rely on every day. As demand for digital services continues to grow, so do important questions about utility rates, water resources, land use and community impacts.
Key findings: The report identifies three overarching conclusions:
- The opportunity is real. Data centers represent significant potential for private investment, skilled construction and technology jobs, local tax revenue and infrastructure improvements.
- Public questions and concerns deserve attention. Questions surrounding energy, water, environmental stewardship, transparency and community impacts should be addressed through meaningful engagement, transparency and continued oversight.
- Michigan has a strong foundation – and practical policy changes can further strengthen it. Existing laws, regulations and oversight already address many concerns, while targeted, practical policy improvements can further strengthen them – along with transparency, accountability and public confidence.
Moving from research to action: Rather than recommending blanket approvals or blanket restrictions, the study outlines practical policy recommendations that build on Michigan’s existing safeguards to:
- Reinforce utility ratepayer protections.
- Enhance water stewardship and encourage redevelopment of brownfield and previously developed industrial sites.
- Expand transparency, including limiting the use and/or scope of non-disclosure agreements, and public engagement.
- Better align economic incentives with measurable community benefits and workforce opportunities.
What we’re saying: “The demand for data centers is being driven by the rapid digital transformation occurring across nearly every sector of the economy, and how people are living, working and doing business,” said Jim Holcomb, president and CEO of the Michigan Chamber. “That demand will only continue to grow. Michigan cannot afford to put its head in the sand while other states aggressively compete for the infrastructure powering the next generation of economic growth and opportunity. The question isn’t whether this investment will happen, but where – and whether Michigan will have the policies and public support necessary to compete responsibly for it and benefit. This independent analysis provides a practical roadmap for doing just that.”
The bottom line: The Michigan Chamber looks forward to working with policymakers, local leaders and stakeholders in the months ahead to advance these recommendations and support informed, fact-based discussions about responsible data center development. Holcomb noted that that goal isn’t simply more development – it’s ensuring Michigan has the policies, public confidence and competitive environment necessary to responsibly attract the digital infrastructure powering today’s and tomorrow’s economy.
Go deeper: Read our news release overview and the full PSC report to explore the complete findings and recommendations.
Contact Dan Papineau for more information or to get involved today.