Jennifer Todd to Host Virtual Community Conversation on Data Centers in Illinois' 15th District
PRLOG - GLEN CARBON, Ill.
Published May 15, 2026
Democratic congressional candidate Jennifer Todd will host a virtual "Coffee & Conversation" event on Saturday, May 16 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss the growing impact of data center development across Illinois' 15th Congressional District.
The online discussion will bring together residents, advocates and community leaders to talk about concerns surrounding proposed data centers in Champaign, Logan, Sangamon and Madison counties.
Todd, a nurse and single mother who won a four-way Democratic primary by 49% earlier this year, said residents deserve to be part of the conversation as major projects move into rural communities.
"People who live here should have a voice in decisions that will affect our water, infrastructure and future," Todd said. "These projects could shape our communities for decades, and families want honest answers about what that means for them."
Topics will include:
Energy use
Water demand
Infrastructure strain
Long-term community impact
Guest speakers include:
Cindy Shepherd of Champaign County is the Energy Builder Director for Faith in Place, a statewide multi-faith organization working on environmental and public health issues. She works with a coalition examining the potential impacts of hyperscale data centers and advocates for protections for Illinois water resources, electric rates and public health.
Rachel Stechman of Logan County is the founder of Logan County Indivisible, a small business owner and professional dog groomer who has been actively involved in community efforts surrounding proposed data center development in her area. She works to help residents stay informed, share resources and increase accountability from elected officials.
Todd said the conversation is about making sure economic development works for local communities, not just large corporations.
"As a nurse, I understand how important it is to think long term about the health and stability of our communities," Todd said. "Growth matters, but so does protecting the people who already live and work here."
The event is free and open to the public.
Saturday, May 16
10:00 a.m.
Via Zoom
Register here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/.../register/WkqA9U1SShGNGONaONGsww (https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fus06web.zoom...)
Website: jenntodd2026.us
Contact
Kitty Kurth
***@kurthlampe.com