Economic development staff described Douglas County’s tax-incentive program, eligibility thresholds and phased abatements; panelists also listed community benefits such as Wi‑Fi, workforce training stipends and a data-center academy funded by Microsoft.

Residents said nondisclosure agreements and opaque deal-making have eroded trust. Economic-development and utility leaders explained why NDAs are used in competitive recruitment and power contracting but emphasized that rezoning, special-use permits and planning hearings are public.

After a presentation from KU Innovation Park and questions from commissioners and the county appraiser, the Douglas County Commission unanimously directed staff to finalize a voluntary 10-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement that would apply at lease renewals for mature tenants and asked staff to evaluate an administrative fee to cover county costs.