Great Lakes Neighbors United

10/28/2026

Port Washington’s mayor recently participated in a short NPR feature about the AI data center currently being built in the city. In it, he celebrates the impact of the data center on the city's future and expresses confusion as to why anyone wouldn't want one in their community.

The backlash in Wisconsin to data center construction has the candidates for governor from both parties quickly adjusting their midterms campaign messaging. NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer visits one data center in Port Washington, Wis., which the mayor says will bring much needed funding to the community - bu...

10/26/2026

TOMORROW 10/27 at NOON! Curious about the Vantage Data Center Settlement? Get a firsthand update from Midwest Environmental Advocates attorney Michael Greif! Register here: https://bit.ly/4zfUVYE

Under the terms of a legal settlement recently announced by MEA and the Sierra Club, Wisconsin is set to become one of the few states in the country to conduct a comprehensive, statewide review of the environmental impacts of data center development. In this 15-minute update, MEA attorney Michael Greif will explain the basics of the settlement, what it means for Wisconsin communities and what comes next. Register here>>> https://bit.ly/4zfUVYE

10/23/2026

10/22/2026

Google Earth and Google Maps were recently updated to show the giant scar on the earth that is phase 1 of the Port Washington AI data center. Seeing 672 acres of energy-sucking industrial development from the sky, nestled amongst trees, creeks, a great lake, and people's homes is truly awe-inspiring.

10/19/2026

Nearly 1 year ago, on 10/31/2025, we began circulating a direct legislation petition requiring public approval of large tax incremental financing deals. Thank you to all who signed, voted, and have supported us throughout the process of holding our leaders accountable to we the people!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

10/15/2026

Ask your legislators to PROMISE TO REPEAL the sales tax exemption for data centers!
Wisconsin is giving more than $2 billion in tax handouts to hyperscale data center companies WITHOUT guaranteeing the transparency, accountability, and protections our families and communities deserve. We deserve BETTER!

10/14/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

10/12/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Please take note of the upcoming hearings tomorrow (10/13), Thursday (10/15), and Monday (10/19)! All are open to the public.

10/07/2026

Are you tired of financing tax breaks for Big Tech? See the message from Charlie Berens below!

We are proud to be one of the organizations associated with Build Wisconsin Better. Visit https://buildwisconsinbetter.org/ for more information and to find out how you can get involved!

10/02/2026

If you hop onto Highway 33 in Port Washington and head west, you will reach Beaver Dam, another city where Tax Incremental Financing was used for a hyperscale AI data center development. Due to NDAs, residents were left in the dark until construction commenced.

This is the story of Maily, a resident whose life has been upended by contamination of her water. Maily has spoken out, documented the situation through numerous tests of her water and daily observations, and is seeking accountability. As she explains, her concerns extend not only to her family but also to her beloved horses.

This is just one example of why rigorous environmental review must be performed prior to the permitting of any hyperscale AI data center project!

Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, is a charming town of about 17,000 people, k...