10/31/2026
Earlier, we told you that we are still concerned about potential data center proposals at GM/Jatco. No, we aren't just making stuff up. Some very real problems remain that are driving our concern. For example:
• Most of the same processes, policies, people and politics that brought you the Viridian proposal are still in play. There’s an old saying about doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. If we want a different outcome, shouldn’t we change the process?
• Our moratorium is temporary. It only lasts a year and it does not take data centers off the table permanently. It provides time to develop policy, but it doesn't guarantee that a future proposal won't be considered.
• State policies continue to incentivize data centers. Significant state tax incentives make these projects attractive to developers, while state policies can limit the financial protections available to communities using Tax Increment Districts (TIDs) to help fund them. The barn doors for these projects are still wide open at the state level.
• Protective regulations are still lacking at every level. Local zoning, regional policies, and state and federal standards have not fully addressed the range of potential impacts or established comprehensive protections for communities.
• Recent history. Let's not forget how we got here.
The now-dead Viridian proposal advanced over more than 12 months of significant community opposition. We observed delayed and denied open records requests, nondisclosure agreements, and developers communicating with City Hall a year before the public learned of the project. Public information released by our authorities emphasized unsubstantiated community benefits and downplayed community risks and community concerns about those risks. We witnessed due diligence that, in our view, looked more like a sales pitch than an independent evaluation of potential impacts. We also questioned the lack of rules and regulations, which remains a concern more than two years after Viridian's initial contacts with city hall.
These concerns didn't disappear when the Council let the Letter of Intent for the project expire. This history matters. It continues to shape our discussions about responsible development, transparency, accountability, and who gets a say in decisions that affect our community.
Which brings us to today and the referendum on your ballot. Look for it on the back of your ballot under “City of Janesville”. The referendum, in its most basic form, is about who gets to decide the future of this publicly-owned piece of property. It makes you a stakeholder, not a bystander.
A YES vote means the Janesville’s voters decide on massive projects at GM/Jatco.
A NO vote means the City Council decides for you.
Our community. Our future. Our voice. Our vote. VOTE YES on November 3rd.
