Jill Carter schedules public meeting on data centers, property issues

(From Sen. Jill Carter)

State Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby, will host a community council meeting on Thursday, June 25, 2026, bringing together residents, local leaders, stakeholders and members of the media to discuss critical issues impacting rural southwest Missouri.

A primary focus of the community council will be the impact of large-scale data center development and new transmission infrastructure on rural communities. Specifically, they will discuss associated transmission lines, property rights protections and the proposed Data Center Moratorium currently under consideration by the Newton County Commissioners.

Attendees will receive updates and have the opportunity to engage in open discussion regarding property rights concerns and local decision-making related to the proposed moratorium.

In addition, the council will address other pressing rural issues, including:

School consolidation
Agriculture
Healthcare
Emergency services
Tax reform

The community council is designed to foster open dialogue and community-driven problem-solving, giving residents a direct opportunity to share concerns, ask questions and engage with Sen. Carter, other local elected officials and subject-matter experts on issues that shape daily life and the future of rural Missouri.

“Top-down decisions rarely work well,” said Sen. Carter. “Through intentional collaboration and listening directly to the people affected, we can develop practical, ground-up solutions that truly reflect the priorities of rural Missouri. These community councils are about bringing voices together and working toward outcomes benefitting our communities.”

The meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. at Crowder College, 3405 S. Hammons Blvd. in Joplin. The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Members of the media are encouraged to attend and cover the discussions.