Rumors spread fast in a small community, and this summer in Madras, one of the more persistent ones involved data centers. Interim City Administrator David Clyne moved to clear the air earlier this month, posting a direct statement that the City of Madras is not entertaining any proposal to build a data center in Jefferson County.
The clarification came after social media chatter — amplified by regional news coverage of data center interest in neighboring communities — suggested a large facility might be in the works for the Madras area.
What Sparked the Speculation
Data center development has become a hot-button issue across Central Oregon as technology companies look to expand their infrastructure footprints in rural areas with relatively affordable land, accessible power, and favorable climate. Prineville, about 35 miles southeast of Madras in Crook County, has been home to large-scale data centers for over a decade and has recently been navigating what its next round of data center agreements should look like.
In May, the small community of La Pine rejected a proposed 20-megawatt data center after residents turned out in significant numbers in opposition, citing concerns about water use, traffic, and community character. That story drew statewide attention and likely fueled curiosity — and concern — in other Central Oregon communities about what might be coming their way.
Madras’ Position
Clyne’s statement was straightforward: no proposal is on the table, and the city is not in discussions with data center developers. Jefferson County has attributes that tech infrastructure companies find attractive — open land, access to power infrastructure, and a location along major transportation corridors — but city leadership signaled clearly that speculation is running well ahead of reality.
The statement also reflects a broader awareness that public trust matters when large development proposals emerge. Communities across Oregon have seen how quickly rumors of a major industrial or tech development can generate anxiety, particularly in agricultural communities where land use, water rights, and community scale are deeply felt concerns.
Leadership Context
Clyne has been serving as interim city administrator since January, when former City Administrator Will Ibershof resigned effective January 14. The Madras City Council accepted the resignation at a special meeting January 16 and appointed Clyne to steady city operations while a permanent search moves forward.
The data center clarification was one of several steps Clyne has taken to keep communication open with residents during a period of transition at City Hall. Residents with questions about city plans and development can contact Madras City Hall at madras.gov or visit in person at 125 SW E St.