1 data center project in Festus City
Who decides here: the City Council of Festus City votes on zoning. The Jefferson County may review big projects too.
In Festus City
Local votes and rules
🗳️ Public vote
Residents turned in recall petitions against the mayor and three council members over the data center. The council refused to call the election, saying the petitions did not list misconduct. A judge dismissed the residents' suit to force the vote on Sept. 1.
⚖️ Court case
Resident group Wake Up JeffCo and four property owners sued the city and developer CRG. They say officials met privately in small groups to dodge the Sunshine Law, and ask to undo the rezoning and the developer contract.
🗳️ Election
Voters removed all four council members on the ballot who had backed the data center. Four new members who oppose it were sworn in.
✅ Approved
City council voted 6-2 for the development deal for a $6 billion data center by CRG, with a five-year property tax break, despite strong public opposition. The land had been annexed and rezoned in November 2025.
What you can do
- Get told first.
We'll email you if anything changes in Festus City. - Go to council meetings.
Anyone can speak. Big projects usually need a public hearing. - Ask questions in writing.
Use our checklist.
🔔 Get told first
⚡ Your electric company
Union Electric Co. (company).
Big data centers need a lot of power. Who pays for new power lines depends on state rules. See the rules in Missouri.
🙋 Open tasks here
- How many acres will the campus use? Reports say 240, 360 and 370 acres.
- Who will use the data center (which tech company)?
- How much water will it use per day, and from which utility?
- Will the Port Authority approve the personal property tax break?
- How will the residents' lawsuit be decided?