GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The head of a regional economic development group said he’s hopeful a proposed data center in Lowell moves forward because it will help diversify Kent County’s economy.

“We need AI to be part of our portfolio here,” said Randy Thelen, president and CEO of The Right Place. “So when we talk about data centers it’s not a solution or silver bullet in any way, but it’s another addition to the diversification of our economy.”

Thelen, speaking Thursday at The Right Place’s annual economic outlook event, said the data center would help bolster the region’s tech sector. It would also represent a significant capital investment and generate additional property tax revenue.

“To have a high capital investment, large property-tax enhancement without consuming a lot of labor, I th

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