Cheyenne City Council to Consider Data Center Annexation and Zoning Proposals
The Cheyenne City Council recently rejected a proposed 12-month moratorium on data center construction. Now, the council is considering multiple proposals from Microsoft for annexation and rezoning of large land parcels (Highland and Read) for future data center development, as well as a new annexation proposal from ViaWest and SkyBox for data centers on Cox Ranch. These proposals involve extensive city processes, with the Planning Commission already reviewing them and public hearings scheduled.
The Cheyenne City Council recently voted 9-1 against a proposed 12-month moratorium on new data center construction, despite extensive public testimony that saw slightly more witnesses favor the moratorium. With the moratorium issue settled for now, the council is proceeding with several proposals related to data center development.
Microsoft is seeking annexation and "business park" zoning for its vast 3,200-acre "Highland" parcel, intended for data centers projected 10-20 years into the future. The company also requests rezoning for its already annexed "Read" property, which has an earlier development timeline. The City Planning Commission recently reviewed these proposals, but was divided on how to address long-term concerns like water use, energy demand, and traffic, given the distant development timelines. The commission only makes recommendations to the council.
A public hearing for the Highland annexation is scheduled for June 8, followed by referral to the Public Services Committee for further review. Separately, developers ViaWest and SkyBox are pursuing the annexation of the 1,200-acre Cox Ranch for data centers, a proposal that has been postponed by the council until September 14, but will include public meetings in July. Council members Pete Laybourn and Larry Wolfe encouraged public engagement on these significant data center developments.