Joliet Technology Center: Approval, lawsuit and advisory ballot question

What the council approved

Earlier in 2026, the Joliet City Council approved the Joliet Technology Center, a proposed data center campus on the city’s far southern edge, east of the Chicagoland Speedway.

Published descriptions put the campus at roughly 24 buildings and 6.9 million square feet on nearly 800 acres of farmland. Its estimated value is about $20 billion.

Residents spoke against the project at council meetings, including on March 16, 2026.

The residents’ lawsuit

Joliet Residents for Responsible Growth, a nonprofit residents’ group, and three of its members sued the city in Will County case 2026CH000108.

On October 19, 2026, Will County Circuit Judge Victoria Breslan issued a ruling rejecting the due process, notice and Open Meetings Act claims. According to a law firm’s summary, the ruling left room for zoning challenges based on concrete harm to neighboring properties. Further court steps may follow.

The advisory ballot question

On November 3, 2026, Joliet Township voters were asked: “Should the Joliet City Council approve construction of AI data centers?”

The question is advisory, meaning it does not bind the council. Official results come from the Will County Clerk.

Questions about the project

Residents have raised questions about water, power, traffic and taxes related to large data centers. Answers specific to the Joliet Technology Center come from city records, council meetings and the developer’s filings.

Joliet Votes reports only facts that can be linked to a source.

How to take part

City Council meetings include public comment. Our public comment guide explains the rules, time limits and how to prepare.