Cheyenne passes Microsoft data center land annexation after more than 5 hours of discussion
The Cheyenne City Council approved the annexation of 3,460 acres for a Microsoft data center campus despite significant public opposition and attempts by some council members to delay or halt the project. The approval, which included related zoning ordinances, allows Microsoft to proceed with developing one of the nation's largest data center campuses over the next 10-20 years. This decision was made following a five-hour discussion that addressed various community concerns.
The Cheyenne City Council has approved the annexation of 3,460 acres of land, paving the way for Microsoft to develop one of the nation's largest data center campuses in Wyoming. The decision followed a contentious five-hour discussion, concluding with a 6-3 vote in favor of the annexation and the associated zoning ordinances. Microsoft, which closed on the property sale on June 26 from the family of Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis, plans to gradually develop the site over the next two decades.
The project faced significant public and council opposition. Residents voiced concerns about water usage, environmental degradation, noise and light pollution, and data surveillance. Several council members also attempted to slow or halt the development; Councilor Mark Moody proposed a 12-month moratorium on all data center development in Cheyenne, which was rejected, and Councilors Lawrence Wolfe and Pete Laybourn sought to delay the annexation decision and impose a $50 million payment for community improvements, but their motions also failed.
Proponents of the annexation, including Councilors Kathy Emmons and Tom Segrave, argued that the city could address community concerns while still moving forward with economic progress. They highlighted potential benefits such as job creation to combat Wyoming's youth exodus, as cited by Councilors Mark Rinne and Ken Esquibel. City Planner Seth Lloyd explained that connecting to city utilities would be healthier than relying on wells and septic systems for the development, and that the annexation provides tax revenue and potential for other industrial or residential uses if Microsoft's plans change.
Ultimately, the majority of the council emphasized private property rights and the fulfillment of statutory requirements for annexation, affirming the Lummis family's right to sell and Microsoft's right to request annexation, leading to the project's approval despite strong community resistance.