Ohio cities move to ban data centers in upcoming ballot measures

In Van Wert, Ohio, resident Joe Jared filed petitions to repeal the ordinance that permits data centers in industrial zones. The Van Wert County Board of Elections is reviewing the signatures, and if validated, the measure could appear on the November 3 ballot to prohibit data centers in all industrial‑zoned districts.

In Urbana, Ohio, resident Nicole Nawman submitted a charter amendment petition that, if approved by voters, would block hyperscale data centers from operating in the city unless reversed by a later vote. The petition has met the required signature threshold and is pending verification. A separate recall petition targeting Mayor Bill Bean has also gathered signatures. Thor Equities, the developer of the proposed Urbana Technology Hub, reports spending over $19 million on the project and expects $3 million in annual tax revenue.

Both efforts illustrate local attempts to control land use and limit large‑scale tech facilities in smaller Ohio communities.