On December 3rd, our community gathered at Woodlawn High School to discuss the proposed data center project, an issue that has far-reaching implications for our neighborhoods, equity, and local governance. Thank you to Senator Charles Sydnor, Delegate Sheila Ruth, and Delegate Alethia McCaskill for hosting this important meeting and providing a space for residents to learn and ask questions.
One theme came up repeatedly: “the community should negotiate for benefits.” In reality, 2024 Council legislation allows data centers by-right on Manufacturing Light (ML) land, thereby, removing that ability. Residents have no leverage, meaning no hearings, no conditions, and no meaningful protections.
When examining the developer, Security Land & Development, it became clear why these outcomes occur. Their law firm has:
* Lobbied extensively on their behalf
* Donated tens of thousands of dollars to: County leaders, including our last three County Executives, multiple Council members, including District One's past three, and the Democratic Central Committee.
And that’s only one firm, not the developer or builders behind them. This illustrates how campaign finance directly impacts land-use decisions: financial influence can overshadow community voices.
This isn’t about criticizing any individual elected official for endorsing figures that voted for allow data centers by right. It’s about helping our leaders understand how political alliances and patronage systems, the type that “elect and then protect” officials, shape decisions in ways that can unintentionally harm and neglect communities.
Public financing offers a solution. Campaigns like ours who rely on small donations rather than developer dollars are better positioned to prioritize residents, transparency, and equitable outcomes. This is why campaign finance reform is central to restoring trust and ensuring communities are heard.
Finally, it’s important to note that current regulations place data centers only in areas south of Liberty Road on the west side and concentrated similarly on the east side. This pattern disproportionately affects marginalized communities and deserves careful attention since it puts District One on the front line of this issue.
Residents deserve a transparent, accountable system that puts people — not political machinery or special-interest dollars — first. Thank you for staying engaged and raising your voice. Together, we can help ensure land-use decisions serve the entire community.
Thank you for staying engaged. Our work continues.
