Ames City Council Delays Data Center Decisions Following Public Protest
Ames City Council meeting opened with a protest against data center development, organized by the Democratic Socialists of America. The council subsequently voted to temporarily delay any decisions regarding Lightedge or future data center projects in Ames, requesting additional information and public input. They are also reviewing potential amendments to zoning, electric, and water policies for large customers.
The Ames City Council meeting on June 14 began with a protest against data center development, organized by the Democratic Socialists of America (Heart of Iowa Chapter). Protesters marched to city hall, chanting and holding signs, before some attended the council meeting while others were directed to overflow seating.
The meeting promptly addressed a memo from city attorney Mark Lambert, outlining issues for council review and amendment, including zoning, noise, electric, water, wastewater, a potential moratorium, and a permanent ban on data centers. Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips highlighted key areas for adjustment, such as distinguishing data centers in zoning ordinances, reconciling electric tariffs with municipal code to ensure large electric customers cover infrastructure costs, and implementing excess facilities charges for new, large water customers to fund necessary infrastructure.
The council decided to temporarily delay any decision concerning Lightedge or other data centers in Ames, opting for more time to gather information and public input. While some council members like Ward 1 Representative Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen advocated for a longer delay, potentially up to a year, to allow for thorough public engagement, others like At-Large Representative Amber Corrieri and Ward 4 Representative Rachel Junck preferred a shorter timeframe to avoid decisions during student absences. Ultimately, the council agreed to delay making a decision on the length of the pause until their next meeting on July 28.