City Council Debates Data Centers
The Minneapolis City Council voted to take up an ordinance imposing a six-month moratorium on new or expanded data centers outside downtown, and limiting those within downtown, to allow time to develop comprehensive regulations. This decision follows growing pressure from companies and resident concerns about potential negative impacts like excessive water and energy usage. A final vote on the moratorium is scheduled for June 25, following a public hearing.
The Minneapolis City Council is actively addressing the increasing demand for data centers, balancing developer interest with community concerns. On May 21, the Council voted 8-5 to introduce an ordinance proposing a six-month moratorium on new or expanded data centers outside the downtown area, while capping new downtown facilities at 350,000 square feet. This temporary halt, if approved in a final vote on June 25 after a public hearing on June 16, would extend until November 21.
Council Members Aurin Chowdhury and Jason Chavez, co-authors of the moratorium, argue it is crucial for developing a comprehensive regulatory framework, citing numerous unanswered questions about data center impacts, particularly in vulnerable communities like East Phillips. Conversely, opponents, including Council Member Elizabeth Shaffer, the Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council, and Adam Duininck of the Downtown Council, expressed concern that the moratorium signals Minneapolis is