Minneapolis data center moratorium heads to June 16 hearing

Minneapolis has already approved a six-month moratorium on data center uses, and the issue is back on the city’s calendar for a June 16 committee hearing. The next step is part of the city’s effort to decide whether it needs tighter zoning rules for large computing facilities.

The pause is already in force

The council approved the interim ordinance on May 21, and city notices list legislative file 2026-00446 as active business. That means the city is no longer debating whether to pause new data center activity; it is now working through what the rules should be after the freeze.

Why the debate matters

Supporters say data centers can help downtown redevelopment and add to the tax base, especially if they are built into underused space. Critics say the facilities can bring heavy power and water demands, noise, and a land-use footprint that may not match the city’s longer-term housing and commercial goals.

What to watch next

For developers and property owners, the moratorium creates uncertainty about projects that might have used downtown buildings or large parcels. For residents, the June 16 hearing is the next chance to see whether Minneapolis keeps the pause narrow or uses it to draw clearer lines for future zoning.

Sources

• City of Minneapolis public notices
• Minneapolis legislative file 2026-00446: Moratorium on data center uses
• Star Tribune report on Minneapolis data center moratorium
• MPR News report on Minneapolis council action