Let's Talk Data Centers: Our Water, Our Power, Our Communities

Date and Time:
Thu, May 21, 2026; 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM  (Central)

Organized By: Heart Of Illinois Group

Location: Pekin Public Library, 301 S 4th St, Pekin

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Joyce Blumenshine
   joblumen@yahoo.com

Microsoft AI Data Center under construction in Mt. Pleasant, WI.

A public forum for people who want to keep data centers out of their communities.

Staff from the Citizens Utility Board, Faith in Place, Illinois Environmental Council, and Prairie Rivers Network, will hold a community conversation about data centers, their impacts on communities, and potential solutions and protections—both locally and statewide. This interactive event will include overviews of the landscape of data center development, the impacts to communities with data centers, and potential solutions to these problems.

A key issue will be how communities can ensure their voices are a part of the discussion that affect our shared resources like energy and water. Brief presentations will be broken up by small breakout conversations where community members can share their perspectives and ask questions. The evening will conclude with an opportunity to identify next steps and develop community-informed actions. Whether you are new to the issue or already engaged, this event is an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and help shape how our communities respond to the growing data center industry.

This event is hosted locally by Central Illinois Healthy Community Alliance and Heart of Illinois Group Sierra Club. The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend. For more information contact Joyce at 309-678-1011.