Full Breakdown
Kevin O'Leary’s Wonder Valley Data Center Project: Job Creation Claims, Tax Breaks, and Local Opposition
5/14/2026, 3:52:03 AM
Project Overview
Kevin O'Leary’s Wonder Valley project proposes a combined data center and power plant on a 40,000-acre site in Box Elder County, Utah, overseen by the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA). At full build-out, the facility could deliver 9 gigawatts, ranking among the world’s largest data centers. The project remains in early stages, with no tenant secured and final agreements pending.
Background & Context
Data centers create large temporary construction workforces but few permanent jobs; USC Marshall researchers find operational staff drops about 78 % post-construction. Utah provides tax incentives to data-center projects without a job-creation requirement to attract high-tech investment.
Data & Statistics
- Initial public claim: 10,000 construction jobs, 2,000 permanent positions.
- Revised O'Leary Ventures estimate: ~4,000 construction jobs over 10-15 years.
- USC formula estimate: ~1,350 permanent jobs.
- Utah FAQ commitment: 2,000 permanent skilled-trade, logistics, IT, administrative roles.
- Draft MIDA agreement: 100 % personal-property tax rebate, 80 % real-property tax rebate for up to 30 years.
Official Statements & Responses
O'Leary Ventures CEO Paul Palandjian said job estimates are fluid and based on supply-and-demand analysis, noting the 2,000-job figure appears in the governor’s FAQ. A MIDA spokesperson confirmed the draft agreement includes the tax rebates but lacks a minimum-employment clause. Governor Spencer Cox’s office reiterated the commitment to 2,000 permanent jobs for county residents. Kevin O'Leary urged the public to consider the job numbers amid local criticism.
Criticism & Opposition
Box Elder County residents have filed referendums to overturn site approval, citing water use, air-quality, and transparency concerns. O'Leary described protesters as “bused in from out of town,” a claim the community rejects.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Employment projections vary: O'Leary’s original 10,000 construction jobs contrasts with the revised 4,000 estimate; permanent jobs range from 1,350 (USC) to 2,000 (state FAQ). The draft tax-incentive deal omits any job-creation requirement, and no tenant has been secured.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Look, these numbers are fluid, and they change by the day,” — Paul Palandjian, CEO, O'Leary Ventures
- “It's all supply and demand-based, so we've analyzed it for its scaled potential,” — Paul Palandjian, CEO, O'Leary Ventures
- “Think about the number of jobs,” — Kevin O'Leary, Investor and Founder, O'Leary Ventures
- “committed to a projected 2,000 permanent jobs in skilled trade, logistics, IT, and administrative positions to county residents.” — Utah Governor Spencer Cox’s office (FAQ)
- “A draft version of the agreement posted on MIDA's website, dated April 24, shows that the data center will receive multiple tax breaks, including a 100% personal property tax rebate and an 80% real property tax rebate, for up to 30 years.” — MIDA draft development agreement
What's Next
MIDA aims to sign the final agreement within a month. County referendums will vote later this year. O'Leary Ventures is in early talks with large tech firms about tenancy. The outcomes will shape the project’s economic and environmental impact.
