Aurora considers indefinite moratorium on new data centers as Trident project looks at new locations
Aurora City Council is preparing to vote on an indefinite moratorium on new data center developments amid community concerns about Vantage's proposed Trident project. Vantage is exploring alternative locations, while Mayor Mike Coffman supports a pause to allow the city to develop stricter siting rules.
Aurora City Council is scheduled to vote on a resolution that would immediately halt new data center development indefinitely. The proposed moratorium would not apply to projects already in progress, including Vantage's nearly 900,000-square-foot Trident facility planned near East 38th Avenue and E-470.
The Trident project has drawn pushback from residents concerned about its proximity to the Green Valley Ranch neighborhood. Vantage is examining other potential sites and has asked Aurora to pause consideration of new regulations for 90 days, but Mayor Mike Coffman said the developer could amend its application without restarting the process.
Coffman, who previously helped reject a six-month moratorium, now supports an indefinite pause while the city considers new rules, including proposed limits on data centers near homes. Industry representatives warned that a moratorium could shift jobs, investment and tax revenue to other communities, while acknowledging residents' concerns about facility locations.