Harwood City Council to hold special AI data center meeting while mayor is in Portugal

September 9, 2025

Jim Monk,

Unnamed 1536x860 — The planned data center near Harwood, North Dakota. (Courtesy of Applied Digital)

HARWOOD, N.D. (KVRR) – A special Harwood City Council meeting will be held on Wednesday to continue discussions surrounding Applied Digital’s controversial plan to build a $3 billion AI data center.

According to the agenda, the city council will discuss items including the second reading of a re-zoning ordinance to allow for construction of the data center.

City Auditor Chayla Hansen says Mayor Blake Hankey is in Portugal and will participate in the meeting remotely.

Hansen says there will not be an opportunity for public comment.

The meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. at Harwood City Hall.