MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Hermantown Council Faces Critical Vote on Proposed Google Data Center Following Protests

Hermantown officials will reconsider six resolutions involving a proposed Google data center Friday after protests disrupted an earlier council meeting.

HERMANTOWN, MN (October 30, 2026).

The Hermantown City Council is scheduled to meet Friday evening to consider six resolutions associated with a proposed Google data center near Duluth, following protests that prevented officials from completing an earlier meeting.

The council meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., with in-person attendance limited to 85 people and an online viewing option available.

The controversy reflects growing public concern about large-scale data center development in Minnesota, particularly the potential consequences for electricity consumption, water resources, local infrastructure and community decision-making.

Opponents gathered at an earlier council meeting Monday, protesting the proposal and demanding additional scrutiny. After several hours of disruption, police declared the gathering an unlawful assembly and the meeting was shut down.

City officials subsequently rescheduled consideration of the resolutions.

The project has generated debate since residents began learning more about its scale and potential effects. Google's involvement was not publicly identified until March 2026, contributing to questions about transparency in the development process.

Supporters have emphasized the potential for investment, construction employment and tax revenue. Opponents have raised concerns about environmental impacts, infrastructure demands and whether residents have received sufficient opportunities to influence decisions.

Several legal proceedings concerning the project remain active, including litigation over proposed approvals.

Friday's meeting will provide another opportunity for elected officials to consider the development while addressing competing demands for economic growth, environmental protection and public participation.

The outcome could determine whether the project advances through additional local approval stages.

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