Protecting Defiance’s Reputation

I appreciate the passion I have seen from community members who want to protect Defiance’s future, our residents, and our resources. That passion speaks to the pride people have in this community, and it is something I deeply respect. When it comes to data centers or any major development project—I strongly believe the right approach is to build and maintain a framework that protects both our community and our future opportunities.

One of the primary reasons Defiance has experienced such success in recent years is because we already have strong processes, policies, and zoning regulations in place. Those safeguards exist for a reason, and they have served our community well.

At the Defiance County Economic Development Office, every project is carefully evaluated. We look beyond the promises and ask tough questions about infrastructure, utilities, and long-term impact. In fact, there have been many times when we have told companies, "No, thank you," because a project would place too much strain on community resources. Those decisions may not be public, but they happen regularly.

I have great respect for our elected officials and the difficult decisions they face. The following is not criticism, but perspective.

Since discussion of a potential data center moratorium became public, several companies we had been working with on expansion opportunities in Defiance have withdrawn their interest. None were connected to the data center industry. Their concern was not about data centers—it was about predictability.

That matters because businesses invest where they have confidence. They want to know that regulations are clear, processes are consistent, and rules won't unexpectedly change after they have invested time and resources. Even a moratorium focused on one industry can create broader concerns about future investment.

I fully support careful evaluation of large-scale projects. Any development that could impact utilities, infrastructure, or neighboring properties deserves thorough review. Fortunately, Defiance already has a framework to do exactly that. If updates are needed to address emerging industries, targeted zoning changes can provide additional protections without creating uncertainty for other businesses.

To be clear, the Defiance County Economic Development Office does not have a data center proposal before us at this time. If and when, one is submitted, we will thoroughly vet the company just as we do with any other project.

If a serious data center proposal is ever presented, it will be evaluated on its own merits through the established public review and zoning processes.

I also believe Defiance can establish clear expectations for any future data center project:

• No local tax incentives.

• Behind-the-meter power generation to reduce strain on the electrical grid.

• Developer-funded water and sewer infrastructure improvements so taxpayers are not responsible for supporting private development.

  
  

These protections can be addressed through zoning, development agreements, utility policies, and the existing approval process.

Defiance has worked hard to earn a reputation as a community that welcomes responsible investment while protecting its residents and resources. Rather than a blanket moratorium, I believe the better approach is to identify any regulatory gaps and make thoughtful updates where necessary.

We can protect our infrastructure, preserve public input, and maintain strong development standards while continuing to be a community where businesses feel confident investing.

The goal should never be development at any cost. The goal should be smart development, clear expectations, strong protections, and a predictable process that keeps Defiance competitive while safeguarding the community we all care about.

By Erika Willitzer – Defiance County Economic Development - Email: Erika@DefianceCountyED.com