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Port Washington Limits AI Data Centers with Voter Referendum

4/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Port Washington, Wisconsin, became the first U.S. city to pass a referendum limiting artificial intelligence data center development.
Voters approved 66% to require voter consent for tax incentives over $10 million, aligning with U.S. President Donald Trump’s broader artificial intelligence (AI) plans.
The measure followed Vantage Data Centers' plan for a $15 billion AI campus with OpenAI and Oracle.
The measure complicates future projects seeking tax incentives.

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Story summary

Port Washington, Wisconsin, became the first U.S. city to pass a referendum limiting artificial intelligence data center development.
Voters approved 66% to require voter consent for tax incentives over $10 million, aligning with U.S. President Donald Trump’s broader artificial intelligence (AI) plans.
The measure followed Vantage Data Centers' plan for a $15 billion AI campus with OpenAI and Oracle.
The measure complicates future projects seeking tax incentives.