Oregon residents shared their opinions at a council meeting one week before a critical vote. The municipal ballot question decides the fate of a proposed $1 billion data center. Some residents say the language of the ballot measure is confusing.
A yes vote supports a ban on data centers with peak loads of 25 megawatts or greater. A no vote opposes that ban. Voters will decide on the proposed project soon.
Clay High School science teacher Ben Pfeiffer has taught in the community for 28 years. He spoke in favor of the commercial facility.
“I think that we can agree that given the economic times we’re in, passing any kind of levy would be difficult. It doesn’t have to be this way,” Pfeiffer said.
Pfeiffer stated the commercial development could prevent future financial stress for the local school system. The project would supply needed revenue.
“Over 15 years, this commercial project is estimated to bring more than $100 million to Oregon City Schools. That includes $10 million in milestone payments over the next three to four years, and $7 million every year through a pilot agreement,” Pfeiffer said.
According to Pfeiffer, the district must seek an operating levy in 2028 without the project. The financial forecast indicates this revenue would offset the operating deficit. That would delay any levy request for eight to 10 years.
Melissa Mummert works as an intervention specialist at Clay High School. She also said the facility is necessary for local students.
“Our children are doing their part every day. Now we must do ours. We need to build an educational future defined by opportunity rather than program cuts and inspiration rather than reduced services,” Mummert said.
Those arguments did not convince multiple audience members who favor the proposed restriction. Several attendees voiced strong opposition to the plan.
United Neighbors of Oregon volunteer Laura Davis questioned the long-term fiscal strategy. She compared the school planning to a financial gamble.
“This planning strategy is like buying a car and hoping to make the payments when you win the lottery. There does not seem to be a plan B if the data center does not happen,” Davis said.
Resident Mary Crowley also spoke out against allowing the facility. She cited concerns about artificial intelligence and privacy risks.
“We don’t want a data center. We don’t want unregulated AI. We don’t want surveillance technology. We don’t want our data being stolen and used against us. We don’t want our resources exhausted,” Crowley said.
Municipal ballot measures allow registered voters to decide local land use policies and zoning restrictions directly. The outcome determines whether specific commercial developments can operate within a municipality.
Speakers at the council meeting urged Oregon voters to research the facility before casting ballots.
