Milwaukee Common Council Votes Unanimously To Approve Data Center Pause
The Milwaukee Common Council unanimously approved a one-year pause on new data center construction and expansions. The ordinance blocks city agencies from approving permits, occupancy requests or zoning requests for data centers while the city updates its zoning code and considers regulatory safeguards.
The Milwaukee Common Council voted unanimously on Oct. 13 to impose a one-year pause on the establishment or expansion of data centers in the city. The ban remains in effect for one year or until Milwaukee updates its zoning code to regulate data center land use, and prevents city agencies from approving related permits, occupancy requests or zoning requests.
Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, who authored the ordinance, said the pause would allow the city to develop safeguards addressing community concerns. Alderman Alex Brower and other council members supported the measure, citing constituent opposition and potential impacts on energy and water infrastructure and the environment. The ordinance had previously been reviewed by the Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee and the City Plan Commission.