Bemidji adopts 1-year moratorium on data center development
The Bemidji Planning Board voted 6-1 to enact a one-year moratorium on new data center developments larger than 10,000 square feet, and crypto mining facilities of any size, within city limits. City staffers now have a year to develop a specific data center ordinance. This action follows an inaccurate news report about planned data centers in the area and concerns raised about noise, light pollution, and water usage.
The Bemidji Planning Board has enacted a one-year moratorium on data center developments exceeding 10,000 square feet and all crypto mining facilities within Bemidji city limits. The 6-1 vote on September 14, 2026, requires city staffers to draft a specific data center ordinance during this period.
The decision came after initial discussions in August, prompted by a February news report that erroneously listed Bemidji among cities with planned data centers. The volunteer Planning Commission had recommended the action. Ward 3 council member Mark Dickinson cast the sole dissenting vote, arguing that inhibiting development, even for a $4-5 million facility generating significant tax revenue, was not in Bemidji's best interest.
Mayor Jorge Prince acknowledged the variety of data center types, noting a trend towards