Hermantown City Council Approves Google Data Center Project

The Hermantown City Council unanimously approved a special-use permit and five other resolutions on October 30, 2026, allowing Google to construct a 1.7 million-square-foot data center in the southwest corner of the city. The council also authorized a development agreement with Harmony Group LLC and a decommissioning agreement with Google LLC, while rejecting a citizen petition for an environmental assessment worksheet.

The approval followed a volatile week. A previous meeting on Monday was canceled after Police Chief Jim Crace declared an unlawful assembly due to protesters chanting and stomping outside the chambers. For the rescheduled Friday session, the city implemented strict security protocols, including banning bags and backpacks, closing the City Hall front desk, and limiting in-person attendance to 85 visitors.

Public reaction remained sharply divided during four hours of testimony. State Representative Liish Kozlowski argued that tribal treaties are the supreme law of the land and criticized the process as being "shrouded in secrecy." Opponents also held an Indigenous drum circle outside City Hall to voice environmental and health concerns. Conversely, supporters and representatives from Minnesota Power and the Duluth Building Trades Council argued the project would generate tax revenue for schools and create long-term jobs.

Despite three pending lawsuits and tribal treaty arguments, City Attorney Christopher Virta advised that there were no legal barriers to proceeding. Google must still obtain wetland and construction permits, with detailed design work expected to conclude in 2027.