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- calendar_today October 28, 2026
Lansing Economic Area Partnership Unveils New Data Center Planning Method
In response to increasing public opposition to the secrecy commonly associated with data center development, Lansing-area economic development officials are adopting a new approach focused on transparency and community involvement. This week, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) announced plans to consider a possible data center project on a 423-acre site near Holt in Delhi Charter Township. The proposal marks a departure from the typical confidential practices that have surrounded similar projects in Michigan and elsewhere.
Community Engagement at the Forefront
LEAP President and CEO Bob Trezise emphasized that the organization is introducing a participatory process rather than presenting a finalized project. Trezise stated, "We’re announcing a process today, not a project.” Unlike previous developments kept secret until late in planning, this process is intended to give community members the opportunity to learn about and shape the future proposal from the outset.
To this end, LEAP has scheduled a series of public meetings and residential advisory committee gatherings over the coming months. The first is a webinar at 6:30 p.m. on October 27. The feedback and input collected during these sessions will help determine whether the organization proceeds with developing a full proposal for the site near Holt.
Public Reaction and Local Government Response
The proposal has garnered varied reactions from area residents. Social media response has been mixed, with some expressing concern about the potential impact of the development, while others see potential economic gains from a multi-billion dollar project. Delhi Township Manager Tracy Miller confirmed that local officials had no prior knowledge of the proposal and reiterated that the township “have not, and will not, sign any non-disclosure agreements.”
Project Details and Economic Impact
LEAP has been working since 2024 to prepare the site, owned by a subsidiary of DTN Management, for potential industrial redevelopment. This work received a $6.5 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s Strategic Site Readiness Program. In partnership with Lighthouse Sustainability, a company focused on sustainable and affordability-driven data center development, LEAP is building a process designed around community involvement.
The proposed project targets a $10 billion investment for a data center facility of up to 1 gigawatt, pending local land use approvals. Organizers estimate the development could increase the local property tax base by approximately $53 million. Furthermore, Lighthouse Sustainability has pledged around $20 million toward a community benefits fund. The facility is expected to create roughly 1,000 temporary construction jobs and 100 permanent full-time positions.
Commitment to Clean Energy and Sustainability
Lighthouse co-founder and CEO Gary Dorris stated that the project aims to use clean energy, including power generated from local residents’ homes through an agreement with Resilience Energy. This company would install and manage rooftop solar panels and batteries, selling the output to Lighthouse. The arrangement is projected to reduce participating residents’ energy bills by up to 50%. Lighthouse also plans to secure 100% renewable energy on an annual basis, engage in discussions with Consumers Energy, utilize on-site battery storage, minimize water use with closed-loop cooling, and reduce noise disruption.
Regulatory and Community Considerations
Delhi Township currently has a 12-month data center moratorium in effect, expiring in April. Trezise welcomed the moratorium, stating it allows time for further community consultation before any land use application proceeds. The site’s purchase remains contingent on LEAP exercising its option and obtaining necessary zoning changes.
Other data center projects in Michigan have faced backlash due to lack of transparency. In early 2026, nearly $130 billion in data center proposals nationally were delayed or blocked due to local opposition and related challenges. Environmental justice organizer Michelle Martinez has highlighted that many Michigan residents have been surprised and frustrated by the rapid development and limited public input in past projects.
A Shift Toward Public Transparency
The early announcement and focus on transparency surrounding the Holt-area data center proposal represent a notable shift in how such developments are approached in Michigan. LEAP, Lighthouse, and their partners state they are committed to involving the community at every stage and adapting plans to reflect local priorities, with a goal of setting a new standard for economic development and sustainable projects in the region.
Source: bridgemi.com.
