Update on Indy – September 21, 2025: What Happened & What’s Ahead: The Final Google Data Center Decision
- Michael-Paul Hart
- Sep 21, 2025
- 4 min read
By Councilor Michael-Paul Hart
Working to Make Indianapolis the Smartest City in America
The Data Center Fight
This week’s update is focused on one thing: the Google Data Center Zoning Hearing. On Monday, September 22nd, the Council will take a final vote. I want you to know exactly what’s happening behind the scenes and why it matters to all of Indianapolis.
🗣️ What Happened This Week
The “Mandatory” Group Discussion
Both sides in this debate must meet before the hearing. Two representatives from Google's local law team, two from the community remonstrators, myself, and the Council’s attorney sat down for an hour and a half. Nothing new was said. Both sides repeated the same arguments we’ve been making for months.
This confirmed what I already knew: the real decision will be made Monday night. I will not delay. The Council will cast a final vote on September 22nd.
Secret Tours & Private Promises
While I was tied up in that meeting, Google and IEDI arranged a private tour of one of their Ohio data centers for select Councilors, leaving me out on purpose. They wanted to showcase their project without being asked tough questions.
Even worse, Franklin Township Schools got pulled into this. Last week, the Superintendent
called me asking why I opposed the deal. I explained: massive tax abatements, utility strain, and quality-of-life impacts. He admitted Google and IEDI had asked him directly what it would take for him to support the project and he told them “money for the teacher fund.”
Days later, he issued a statement backing Google. The abatements haven’t changed. The energy strain hasn’t changed. The impact on our neighborhoods hasn’t changed. What did change was a private financial deal made behind closed doors.
Indianapolis deserves better than secret promises.
⚖️ The Hearing Process
Here’s what to expect on Monday:
Each side gets 20 minutes total to present their case and rebuttal.
As District Councilor, I have up to 7 Minutes to speak.
Councilors will then ask questions.
I’ll close with remarks before the Council takes its final vote.
This is the moment that decides whether Indianapolis chooses long-term smart growth or quick money and long-term costs.
⚡ Why This Impacts All of Indy: What MISO Said
What is MISO. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator manages the power grid across
much of the Midwest, including Central Indiana. Think of MISO as the air-traffic controller for electricity. It matches power supply to demand, schedules new generation to connect, and keeps the grid stable across state lines.
What MISO says about data centers.
“One large data center is about Indianapolis. Now, there’s smaller ones the size of Fort Wayne, but the largest of the large data centers is like adding a major metropolitan city to the system,” said Mike Deising, MISO’s senior director of strategic communications. This means a single hyperscale facility can add demand comparable to an entire city’s electric load on the regional grid. Multiply that by several sites and you are stacking “new cities” of demand onto the system all at once. IndyStar
What that means for us.
Reliability risk. Big loads must be matched with firm generation and transmission. That takes years to build and approve, not months. WFYI Public Media
Cost pressure. If utilities rush to add gas turbines, batteries, or upgrades to serve private projects, those costs can flow through to regular ratepayers. We should not let residents subsidize corporate power bills. WFYI Public Media
Smart growth test. A true Smartest City in America plans power, water, and infrastructure before greenlighting massive loads. That is responsible, pro-growth, and pro-taxpayer.
📅 What’s Next: Google Data Center
The full Council hearing is Monday, September 22nd. Location - 200 E Washington St. 46202
6:00 PM – Public arrives and gathers.
7:00 PM – Hearing begins, immediately after budget comments.
Here’s my ask: show up and stay. We need residents filling the chamber to make it clear this city belongs to the people, not to Google’s corporate lobbyists.
I am leading the charge for accountability and transparency. Together, we are standing up for taxpayers and working toward the vision of building the Smartest City in America.
❤️ Helping a Neighbor
One of my neighbors recently lost her husband of 40+ years. His pride and joy, a 2023 GMC Canyon needs a new home. It’s now listed on consignment: View
If you’re in the market or know someone who is, please take a look.
My Commitment to Indy
I am focused on one issue this week: the data center vote. I am pushing to open the books, keep private promises out of public policy, and make sure ratepayers are not stuck with higher utility bills. Smart growth means planning power and infrastructure before projects, not after. Republicans are leading that standard in Marion County so we can build the Smartest City in America.
Thank you for reading and for supporting common‑sense leadership. Together, and with the community driving accountability, we are turning bold ideas into real‑world results.
Accountability, Transparency and Local Leadership
See you next week with more updates from the Neighborhood.
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