Poll; Yay Or Nay On Proposed Cheyenne City Council Data Center Moratorium?

The Cheyenne City Council Public Services Committee recently convened to discuss a proposed moratorium on data center development, an initiative spearheaded by Councilman Mark Moody. The proposed ordinance would not impact existing data centers or those already under construction, focusing instead on future projects. During the committee hearing, public sentiment was sharply divided, with both supporters and opponents of the moratorium voicing their perspectives.

Union members attended in force, expressing concerns that a moratorium would lead to job losses and hinder economic contributions to the local economy. Conversely, Cheyenne resident Heather Madrid, who has initiated a petition advocating for a moratorium, emphasized the need for a comprehensive study into the impacts of data centers before further development proceeds. She suggested that while not entirely against data centers, a pause is necessary to evaluate how they might be managed within Cheyenne.

Despite the robust public input, the Public Services Committee chose not to issue a recommendation to the full City Council, a non-binding step in the legislative process. The decision leaves the proposed moratorium's future uncertain as it moves toward consideration by the full council.