PITTSFIELD TWP, Mich., Oct. 31, 2025 — Yesterday, it was announced that a planned data center project would be developed near Ann Arbor. The development, spearheaded by Related Digital in partnership with tech firms Oracle and OpenAI, is set to break ground in the spring of 2026. Data centers, like this one, house computers and servers used to power software and AI programs. Projections put the added jobs from the project at roughly 2,500 union construction jobs along with 450 high-paying permanent jobs.
After the announcement, State Rep. Morgan Foreman (D-Pittsfield Twp.), who represents the area where the proposed development would be built, released the following statement:
“I know many in our community are concerned about large data centers like this being built, as they can often be drains on our energy and water resources. With that said, I am cautiously optimistic that this data center can be a model for future companies looking to locate in Michigan. Its ‘closed-loop’ cooling system aims to dramatically reduce water consumption, which would be a massive win for our environment when compared with alternatives.
“It’s important that as a state, and as lawmakers, we begin to think about the policies that should be in place to attract these large economic developments while also ensuring we don’t cause lasting damage to our environment. I understand our community’s concerns about a project of this scale, and I also recognize the importance of the union and high-paying jobs this will bring to our community, along with the added tax revenue to the state.
“Projects like this remind us that we need to remain committed to updating our energy infrastructure, creating more sustainable economies and putting the proper guardrails in place, to ensure developments like this one add — not subtract — to our community.”
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