Dutch AI Firm Nebius to Hold Community Q&A Ahead of Key Vote on Major Missouri Data Center
January 12, 2026
A major data center project proposed for Independence, Missouri, is moving to a critical phase of public engagement and regulatory review. The development, spearheaded by Dutch artificial intelligence company Nebius, highlights the growing trend of AI infrastructure firms seeking locations with dedicated power solutions and favorable development conditions to support their intensive computing needs.
Nebius will host an open house for residents on Monday, January 15, to address questions regarding its planned facility. The event is scheduled from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Midwest Genealogy Center. This community session precedes a pivotal closed session of the Independence City Council slated for 6 p.m. at City Hall, where the project will be discussed. The council’s approval is required for the next stage of the development.
The company is seeking final authorization to construct a massive 2.5 million square foot data center within the East Gate Commerce Center. The proposed facility would occupy a 400-acre parcel on the northwest side of the development area. In a strategic move to ensure reliable and dedicated power for its operations, Nebius has already secured the city council’s approval to build, own, and operate a private power plant nearby. Reflecting on the project's scale in a December interview with KSHB 41, Independence Assistant City Manager commented on the significant planning and infrastructure considerations involved.
The potential establishment of this hyperscale data center carries considerable implications for the regional tech landscape. A project of this magnitude represents a substantial investment in infrastructure and could position the Kansas City metropolitan area as an emerging destination for high-density computing projects, particularly those driven by the accelerating demands of artificial intelligence. The city has established a dedicated informational webpage to provide ongoing details about the project and municipal involvement.
Source: kshb
