City Council approves billion-dollar data center investment with 30-year tax abatement

A groundbreaking proposal for a massive data center project took center stage at the Conway City Council's special meeting on April 1, 2025. City officials discussed a potential investment of up to $60 billion, which includes a staggering $10 billion in real property and $50 billion in personal property over the life of a 30-year agreement.

The project, which is expected to create approximately 50 high-quality jobs in its initial phase, is part of a broader trend of increasing data center developments in the region. City leaders emphasized that this facility is not a data mining center, addressing public concerns about privacy and data security. Instead, they clarified that it is distinct from controversial operations often associated with cryptocurrency.

Council members expressed their excitement about the economic potential of the project, with one official noting, "In the almost 30 years I've been in this business, I have never seen anything close to that." The proposed agreement includes a 65% property tax abatement for 30 years, a move designed to attract the investment while fostering long-term economic growth.

As the discussion progressed, officials acknowledged the complexity and scale of the project, highlighting that it would take considerable time to construct and equip the facility. The council's commitment to this initiative reflects a strategic effort to position Conway as a hub for technological advancement and economic development.

With the potential for significant job creation and investment, the city is poised to benefit from this ambitious project, which promises to reshape the local economy for decades to come.