New Polling Shows Most Oregonians Wary of AI and Data Centers

['Garrett Andrews', 'Gandrews Wweek.Com', 'Garrett Andrews Is Ww S General Assignment Reporter. Over Two Decades As A Journalist', 'He S Covered A Hodgepodge Of Content Areas Crime In Bend', 'The Roseburg Art Scene', 'Oregon S Construction Industry', 'Among Others. He S An Adjunct Professor Of Political Science At Portland Community College Where He Teaches Courses On American Government. Go Cougs.', 'August'] Willamette Week 2026-08-04 00:00:00

The study found AI and data centers are regarded with skepticism and worse by Oregonians across the state. Most respondents (58%) support a temporary halt on new data center construction and oppose tax breaks to encourage data center development. Though it is increasingly central to the economy, Americans report growing wariness with artificial intelligence and the data centers that power it. Many are bothered by generous tax breaks and other incentives meant to lure data centers, and a purported woeful return on investment. In Oregon, communities around the state have begun to push their leaders to change their relationships with data centers.