Reno City Council Special Meeting | June 1, 2026

The City of Reno held a special City Council meeting on June 1, 2026, focused primarily on the issue of data center development within the city. The council discussed two key agenda items: a text amendment related to data center regulations and a moratorium on new data center conditional use permit applications. Extensive public comment was received, with a majority expressing strong opposition to data centers due to concerns about water usage, energy consumption, environmental impact, noise, air quality, and effects on indigenous lands and communities. Many speakers advocated for a permanent ban rather than a temporary moratorium. Council members deliberated on the appropriate timeline and process for adopting regulations, emphasizing the need for thorough public engagement, inclusion of tribal consultation, and ensuring that the moratorium remains in place until robust regulations are adopted. The council voted unanimously to direct staff to proceed with the text amendment incorporating feedback from the meeting and considered a motion to extend the moratorium to August 31, 2027, with conditions that it not be lifted before regulations are adopted unless supported by substantial evidence. The meeting highlighted the complexity of balancing economic development, environmental protection, and community concerns, with council members expressing a desire to proceed thoughtfully rather than hastily.