Massey Commission Report and Data Center Debate

The Sangamon County Board hears the Massey Commission’s calls for action—centered on community healing, accountability, and a 708 mental health board—while residents and business leaders square off over a proposed Cyrus One data center. Commissioners urge immediate steps within the county’s authority; speakers press for transparency, economic equity, and enforceable commitments. 20mins

Climate Resilience
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Original Meeting

Tuesday, December 9th, 2025
7640.0
Sangamon County Board Live Stream
Full Meeting on YouTube
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Zach Adams
Springfield IL
I am a Photographer/Videographer working for Illinois Times
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In This Video
  • Board Member Van Meter introduced a presentation by the Massey Commission, reflecting on community trauma following Sonya Massey’s murder and expressing gratitude for the Commission’s work.
  • Adam described the Commission’s collaborative, community-centered approach, emphasizing shared responsibility and keeping Sonya Massey at the center of the work.
  • Sontae Massey, Sonya Massey’s cousin and a Commission member, described the Commission’s origin in community pain and called for systemic transformation rather than condolences.
  • Kelly Hurst outlined a disciplined, iterative process of listening, learning, and then acting to produce specific, evidence-based calls to action grounded in community input and within the Board’s authority.
  • Adam White outlined which calls to action fell under the County Board’s direct authority versus shared leadership, urged immediate action, and a speaker emphasized the human stakes and moral obligation driving the recommendations.
  • Board Member Stumpf expressed gratitude for the Commission’s work, urged robust implementation of its recommendations, and called for the room to applaud the effort amid the community’s pain.
  • Kathleen Campbell, speaking as a representative of Citizens Against the Heartland Greenway Pipeline, urged transparency from the Growth Alliance and cautioned against rushing decisions on a proposed data center near rural residents.
  • A speaker questioned how the proposed data center aligned with the Massey Commission’s economic development call to action and pressed for enforceable commitments against future tax abatements or assessment appeals.
  • Ken Pacha urged elected leaders to actively participate in community listening sessions, support establishing a 708 mental health board, and invest proactively in systems to prevent tragedies like Sonya Massey’s death.
  • Abby Powell, speaking for the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, promoted the proposed Cyrus One data center as a major economic opportunity, citing union construction jobs, long-term employment, favorable tax impacts, minimal strain on utilities, and compliance with environmental standards.
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