LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — As data center proposals spread across Michigan, some local officials are agreeing to keep key details out of public view.

Several Michigan municipalities have signed non-disclosure agreements tied to potential data center developments, restricting what officials can publicly share while projects are still taking shape. The agreements came to light through public records requests sent to 16 communities that have been contacted by tech companies scouting locations, according to The Detroit News.

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So far, four west Michigan communities—the City of Lowell, Lowell Township, Dorr Township, and Gaines Charter Township—confirmed they’ve entered into NDAs related to data center proposals.

Microsoft is connected to several of the proposals and said confidentiality agreements can be used during early discussions to address security, proprietary information, and regulatory issues. 

“We continue to evaluate our usage of confidentiality agreements, ensuring that they allow for the appropriate level of transparency with the local community,” a Microsoft spokesperson said.

Not every official is comfortable with the practice, however. Dorr Township Supervisor Jeff Milling said he regrets signing an NDA presented during early discussions.

“I’ll never sign one again,” Milling said.

Township leaders maintain that any final decisions would still occur in public meetings.