Minneapolis City Council to vote on data center moratorium

The Minneapolis City Council is preparing to vote next week on a proposed moratorium on data center development, following similar considerations in other communities. FOX 9's Mike Manzoni reported live from Minneapolis, where Council member Aurin Chaudhry, who introduced the moratorium measure, hosted a town hall meeting. Approximately two dozen residents attended the Q&A session, expressing concerns about the potential impact of data centers, particularly "hyperscale" facilities, on public resources. Key issues raised included energy consumption, water usage, and potential air and noise pollution. Some attendees also voiced worries about "environmental racism" related to data center placement in underserved communities and the rising cost of electricity. While Minneapolis currently hosts several smaller data centers, it lacks major hyperscale facilities. The proposed moratorium will first be voted on by the council, then proceed to the full City Council in June. The mayor could either approve or veto the measure, with his office indicating he will provide more information soon. The council appears divided, with some members suggesting data centers could help fill vacant office space downtown, while others emphasize community concerns.