Hillsboro Rallies Against New Data Centers as City Hints at Application Pause

Community Rally Condemns Data Center Expansion in Hillsboro

On May 16, community members gathered in Hillsboro to express their discontent over what they described as a “data center disaster” in rural Washington County. The event was organized by the Portland Democratic Socialists of America (Portland DSA) and took place near both planned and existing data center construction sites. It occurred just four days before the end of Oregon’s primary election, drawing attention to the growing concerns about unchecked development in the region.

The rally aimed to highlight widespread opposition to the negative impacts of rapid data center expansion. Speakers included local figures such as Jacob Roloff, a Hillsboro farmer and Portland DSA member; Myrna Munoz, who is running for Oregon Senate District 15; environmental justice organizer Maleek McKenzie; and artist Roger Peet. Each speaker emphasized the need for transparency and accountability from political leaders regarding data center development.

Munoz spoke about the frustration felt by residents who have seen calls for a data center moratorium ignored. She criticized the city for approving long-term tax breaks for companies like Google and Amazon, which she described as an unprecedented 25-year allocation of public funds to corporations. “We want to know how these developments affect our health, safety, water, land, and electricity,” she said. “We want to know what they contribute and cost.”

City of Hillsboro Responds to Concerns

KATU News contacted the city of Hillsboro for comment on the rally. Communications Manager Patrick Preston provided information about the city's stance on data center applications. He mentioned that the city does not expect any new applications to be submitted after May 7, 2026, due to a planned moratorium on June 6, 2026. This would create a pause in new data center applications.

Preston also referenced the city’s website Q&A section, which contains details about Enterprise Zone applications. Additionally, he noted that the city has scheduled a June 2 City Council Work Session to discuss data centers. A statement attributed to Mayor Pace indicated that city staff are working with Business Oregon and the city attorney to evaluate legal obligations related to application approvals. The mayor emphasized the need for legal guidance to make informed decisions about future steps.

Environmental and Health Concerns

Roloff, a farmer and member of the Tualatin Valley branch of Portland DSA, expressed concerns about the environmental and quality-of-life impacts of data centers. He highlighted the 100% property tax breaks given to data centers under the Enterprise Zone program, which he believes undermines local resources. The city’s website explains that the Enterprise Zone program is designed to encourage business recruitment and retention by offering property tax abatements for three to five years.

Roloff also raised concerns about light pollution, effects on land prices, and potential contamination of well water. While no proven data has been released specifically about health impacts in Oregon, studies from other regions suggest that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from data centers can lead to serious health issues. Research from the Harvard School of Public Health indicates that PM2.5 exposure is linked to increased risks of heart disease, stroke, respiratory illness, and premature death.

Public Opinion and Political Criticism

A May 13 Gallup poll revealed that seven in 10 Americans oppose constructing data centers for artificial intelligence in their local area, with nearly half strongly opposed. Roloff cited this data during the rally, emphasizing the need for a shift in policy. “This is our declaration that we will defeat the tech oligarchs and their hand-picked legislators,” he said. “We must build an economy that promotes human flourishing instead of the current economy that replaces human jobs with AI, leads to world-historic levels of wealth inequality, and destroys our health and the environment.”

Peet, a Portland DSA member and artist, called for an immediate moratorium on data center construction and economic incentives. He urged voters to support candidates who prioritize community interests over corporate gains. Speakers at the rally repeatedly criticized Governor Tina Kotek and Sen. Janeen Sollman, accusing them of failing to address the harms of rapid data center expansion.

Call to Action

Roloff encouraged attendees to participate in the upcoming city council meeting on May 19, urging them to demand an emergency session focused on enterprise zone agreements. He also referenced a previous effort where 2,400 signatures were collected in six days for a county moratorium, highlighting the potential for grassroots mobilization.

As the debate over data center expansion continues, the voices of concerned citizens remain a powerful force in shaping the future of Oregon’s communities.