QTS "Project Marvel"

One of the largest private investments ever proposed in Alabama became the defining issue of Bessemer's mayoral race after it emerged that the mayor, city attorney, and chief of staff had signed a two-year NDA tied to the project. Rezoning was approved, but in the September 23 runoff the 16-year incumbent mayor lost 54.5%–45.5% to a data-center-skeptic challenger. QTS says it will continue pursuing the development. Update (Oct 2026): the new mayor sent QTS a letter on October 19 demanding work stop until it obtains city permits; QTS says it holds all appropriate permits, issued under the prior administration, and site work has continued (WVTM 13 · ABC 33/40).