What's Happening?
Hundreds of residents gathered at the Salem Public Library on July 27, 2026, to express opposition to a proposed $5.1 billion data center by California-based company Verrus. The data center is planned for industrial land in southeast Salem's Mill Creek
Corporate Center. The meeting, held in Loucks Auditorium, reached capacity, with additional attendees in an overflow room and outside the building. Residents voiced concerns about environmental impacts, such as water and energy consumption, and questioned the project's economic benefits, citing the creation of only 75 permanent jobs. The project has been under discussion since March 2025, following a non-disclosure agreement between Salem and Verrus.
Why It's Important?
The proposed data center has sparked significant public debate, highlighting tensions between economic development and environmental sustainability. Residents' concerns about resource consumption and minimal job creation reflect broader societal issues regarding the impact of large-scale tech projects on local communities. The opposition also underscores the importance of transparency and public involvement in decision-making processes, as the nearly yearlong discussions between Salem and Verrus were criticized for lacking public input. The outcome of this project could influence future data center developments and community engagement practices.
What's Next?
The Salem City Council plans to hold additional public testimony sessions on the proposed data center. Councilor Micki Varney has motioned to explore prohibiting non-disclosure agreements for data center projects, aiming to increase transparency. A task force will be established to host town hall discussions and develop a policy for data center management. The council's decisions and Verrus' responses will be closely watched by stakeholders, including environmental groups and local businesses, as they could set precedents for future developments.
