Linn County supervisors formally create data center advisory committee, open applications
The Linn County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the formation of a volunteer Data Center Advisory Committee to review regulations for large-scale data center developments. The committee will operate during the county’s 18-month moratorium on new data centers in unincorporated areas and will make recommendations on zoning, infrastructure, water and energy issues.
The Linn County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to establish a 20- to 25-member volunteer Data Center Advisory Committee and open applications for residents and representatives from local jurisdictions. The committee will review the county’s regulations for large-scale data center developments, with meetings scheduled from December 2026 through June 2027 at the Linn County Public Service Center in Cedar Rapids.
The committee’s work will occur during an 18-month moratorium on new data center projects in Linn County’s unincorporated areas, approved by the board in July. Planning and Development Director Charlie Nichols said the group will provide guidance for potential zoning-code updates but will not have authority to change regulations. Supervisor Brandy Z. Meisheid and Board Chair Kirsten Running-Marquardt said public input will be used to examine impacts involving water, electricity, grid infrastructure, public services, transportation and residents.