Jed Davis Challenges Yorkville Leaders to Listen to Residents Over Data Center Backlash
Representative Jed Davis, from the 75th District, is calling on Yorkville officials to listen to residents and halt data center developments as currently proposed, citing widespread community resistance and concerns over quality of life.
The issue has sparked growing outrage among Yorkville residents, who have organized in a rapidly expanding Facebook group to share information and voice opposition. Many question why local officials are still considering projects despite the community’s concerns that data centers could strain infrastructure, harm the environment, and disrupt neighborhoods.
Davis said he has heard directly from “a large number of residents” and conducted a poll showing overwhelming opposition. “The results weren’t close,” he said. “Opposition overwhelmingly outweighs support, both from the general public and targeted voters.” He went on to say “The majority of residents don’t want them, with quality of life a primary concern.”
Despite his opposition, Davis emphasized that zoning decisions must remain local. In a press release he said, “Land use and zoning should be handled by local officials, not dictated by Springfield.” He cited HB4412, a 2023 state law that removed local control over wind and solar projects, as a cautionary example of state overreach.
“Since then, these developments have pushed into communities with essentially no ability for local officials to stop them - regardless of location or impact. It’s wrong!” Davis said.
Davis warned lawmakers against inconsistent policies, stating, “[W]e collectively cannot oppose state overreach in one situation and then request it in another.” He also stressed that local control must reflect public sentiment.
Given the level of local opposition, Davis urged local leaders to reject the current proposals and consider broader public input, including a potential ballot measure, to give residents the final say.
At the state level, he criticized colleagues for failing to advance any data center bills, including HB4319 (Property Owner Protection from Data Center Impacts Act), which he introduce in January 2026. The bill was designed to shield ordinary homeowners against these industrial giants. You can read more about that bill here.
“The majority party chose not to advance a single ‘data center’ bill during committee deadline week - not one. This lack of action speaks volumes,” he said.
Davis ended by saying, “The expectation should be simple: listen to the residents you represent.”
The Yorkville Planning and Zoning Commission will review a revised 130-acre rezoning proposal on April 8, following a unanimous rejection of an earlier version. Developers have made adjustments, including reducing the project footprint and increasing setbacks from homes, but critics say the changes don’t address core concerns. The commission’s recommendation is advisory; final approval rests with the City Council.
April 8, 2026 Agenda:
https://www.yorkville.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/6704
Meyer Rezone:
United City of Yorkville. “Meyer (Rezone).” City of Yorkville, https://www.yorkville.il.us/919/Meyer-Rezone