Minneapolis City Council to Vote on Proposed Data Center Moratorium and Zoning Changes
The Minneapolis City Council is set to vote on a proposed moratorium on new data centers, a move supported by some council members who see urban data centers as beneficial for the city's tax base. Concurrently, a councilor plans to introduce zoning code changes to regulate these facilities. The debate highlights differing views on urban versus rural data center development, with concerns over energy and water use often sparking community opposition.
The Minneapolis City Council is scheduled to vote on a proposed moratorium on new data centers, a measure that comes amidst a national debate over the rapid expansion of these facilities. Councilmember Michael Rainville advocates for urban data centers, arguing they are a "revenue-driven technology" that can help revitalize downtown Minneapolis and bolster the city's declining commercial property tax base. He points to existing data centers, like one across from U.S. Bank Stadium and another within the Sleep Number headquarters, as examples of their positive impact, noting the latter's recent $235 million sale, which he says could lead to a 1% tax decrease for city property owners.
Conversely, the article acknowledges widespread opposition to data centers, particularly in rural areas, citing concerns over energy consumption, water usage, and pollution. Mayor Mike Maguire of Eagan, Minnesota, whose city previously imposed a year-long moratorium on larger data centers, highlighted the need for local governments to pause and develop informed policies as data center technology evolves quickly. Minneapolis Councilor Elizabeth Shaffer also plans to introduce a proposal to amend the city's zoning code to better regulate urban data centers, acknowledging public concerns but suggesting they are more manageable in a downtown setting. While the main focus is Minneapolis, the article also references a lawsuit filed by Hermantown residents against Google's data center plans and a moratorium enacted in Inver Grove Heights due to community backlash, illustrating broader regional tensions.