Dubuque holds first public meeting on data center ordinance
The city of Dubuque, Iowa, is holding public meetings to gather resident input on a proposed new ordinance for future data center projects. This ordinance would establish rules and regulations before any formal proposals for data centers are submitted to the city. An economic impact study by Greater Dubuque projects significant tax revenue for the area.
The City of Dubuque, Iowa, is actively seeking public input regarding a potential new ordinance that would govern future data center developments. The city held the first of two scheduled public input meetings at the Grand River Center, allowing residents to share their views on proposed rules and regulations for data centers. An online and mail-in survey has also been launched to gather broader community feedback.
According to city leaders, no formal data center proposals have been submitted yet, but the city council plans to review a draft ordinance in August, which would set the groundwork for any future projects. The council has stated it will not act on any specific project until an ordinance is in place.
Jason White, CEO of Greater Dubuque, highlighted the potential economic benefits, citing a study that estimates millions of dollars in tax impact to the county, school district, and state of Iowa over a couple of years, totaling around $202 million in local and state taxes. The community feedback will be crucial in shaping the final ordinance.