Judge to Decide on Independence Data Center Referendum

0:00A Jackson County judge plans to decide by the end of this week whether independent's residents can hold a referendum to cancel tax breaks for a huge data center project. The 400 acre site by Dutch AI Company Nevious got city council approval in a 5-2 vote offering 90% tax relief seen as the biggest development in the city's history. Opponents formed a grassroots group and sued the city after officials rejected their initial signatures for a petition drive. The city argues the tax breaks are binding contracts, not open to public vote. While challengers say the city charter has exceptions that allow it, both sides worry about bigger effects. City lawyers warn a referendum could disrupt future deals and emergency contracts by scaring off investors pouring in billions. Residents counter that the project's scale, with massive bonds and environmental hits, demands public input. After gathering ramps up anyway, with over 100 volunteers hitting streets, businesses,

1:00and neighborhoods daily, a judge already extended the deadline temporarily to protect petition rights during the lawsuit. Whatever the ruling, this fight highlights tensions between quick economic wins and community voice and fast growing suburbs like independence. That's your Kansas News Today update, AI powered and always on.