Protesters Shut Down Hermantown Council Vote on Google Data Center

Protesters shut down a Hermantown City Council meeting on Monday, October 26, 2026, preventing votes on six resolutions, including a special use permit for a proposed 1.66-million-square-foot data center. Several dozen demonstrators filled the council chambers, chanting and stomping until Police Chief Jim Crace declared the assembly unlawful and unsafe, ordering an immediate evacuation.

Google has committed 130 million dollars for infrastructure upgrades for the facility, though it faces potential decommissioning costs of up to 210 million dollars. The city estimates the project would generate 240 million dollars in property taxes over 20 years. The disruption delayed the vote until after a scheduled court hearing involving a lawsuit filed by the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy and the citizen group Stop the Hermantown Data Center, who allege governmental secrecy and notice violations.

While the Hermantown Chamber of Commerce and Duluth Building Trades Council condemned the tactics used during the protest, opponents continue to cite health and environmental concerns. The council rescheduled the meeting for Tuesday evening.