Committee advances annexation, zoning requests tied to Microsoft data center expansion
Cheyenne city officials have advanced annexation and rezoning requests for nearly 3,460 acres to facilitate Microsoft's long-term data center expansion. The decision was made despite significant community opposition regarding water usage, noise, wildlife impact, and the scale of development, with a final council meeting scheduled for June 6.
Cheyenne city officials, through the City Council’s Public Services Committee, have advanced annexation and rezoning requests for 3,459.99 acres of land intended for a long-term data center expansion by Microsoft Corporation. The land, owned by ARP and Hammond Hardware CO, Old Horse Pasture Inc., and Lummis Livestock Company LLC, is located east of South Greeley Highway and south of the Sweetgrass Subdivision, and its acquisition by Microsoft is still underway. The committee voted 2-1 to move the proposals forward, which included rezoning over 3,000 acres to business park and amending the city’s future land-use map.
Microsoft representatives, including Rachel Irving, the company’s land development and permitting program manager, and Tyler Gibbs, senior manager of energy markets, emphasized that the "Highlands project" is a long-term planning effort spanning 10 to 20 years, not an immediate full buildout. They assured the committee that the development would adhere to city standards, connect to city utilities, and that Microsoft would fully fund required water, wastewater, and electrical infrastructure upgrades, including power procurement, via its large power contract service (LPCS) with Black Hills Energy.
The proposals faced extensive debate and opposition from community members, who expressed concerns about water consumption, noise, impacts to wildlife, and the overall scale of industrial growth without finalized development plans. Cheyenne resident Heather Madrid criticized the lack of detailed plans, arguing it makes it impossible to assess environmental impacts. Conversely, some ranchers and data center workers, including Cindy DeLancey, supported the project, citing private property rights and economic opportunities. Councilman Pete Laybourn was the sole committee member to oppose the advancement, advocating for a more cautious approach given the proposal's scale. The items will proceed to a final reading at the full city council meeting on June 6.