Mason council member faces recall amid Michigan data center debate

Elaine Ferris, a longtime member of the Mason City Council, faces a November recall election after a vote tied to the city’s efforts to prepare for possible data center development. Mason began revising its zoning ordinance in late 2025 as officials worked to establish rules before a developer arrived.

The recall is part of a broader Michigan dispute over whether local governments have enough authority to regulate or reject large data centers. Residents and officials have raised concerns about infrastructure, noise, visual impacts and quality of life, while some local leaders say their power is limited once a project enters the approval process.

At least 28 public officials in eight Michigan communities have faced recall efforts connected to data center decisions, although only Ferris is currently expected to appear on a November ballot, according to an analysis cited in the material. Other efforts failed over petition language or signature requirements.

Read the full story at wowo.com.