Ferguson City Council Debates $1.5 Billion Tax Incentive for Data Center Project

The Ferguson City Council is debating a revived tax-abatement package for a data center project at the former Emerson Electric campus site. The package, which was previously defeated 3-3 in May, seeks incentives up to $1.5 billion and could involve industrial revenue bonds reaching tens of billions. The developer is Jim Onder, through Next Revolution Technologies LLC. Republican nominee Vernon Norman called on the council to reject the package, stating that if elected, he would push for statewide guardrails and a final popular vote before such incentives are granted.

The vote concerns a potential major economic development for the community, as Governor Mike Kehoe has noted that data-center investments can be generational. The package would involve the reuse of existing buildings at roughly 18 megawatts, with a future parcel identified for up to 300 megawatts.