Reno City Council | Special Meeting | Captions Available | Thursday, May 14, 2026

The City of Reno held a special City Council meeting on May 14, 2026, primarily focused on the issue of data center development within the city. The meeting featured extensive public comment, with many residents, environmental groups, indigenous representatives, and labor unions expressing concerns about the environmental, health, and community impacts of data centers, including water usage, air and noise pollution, and effects on local ecosystems and tribal lands. There was significant debate among council members regarding the adoption of a 30-day pending moratorium on new data center applications to allow time for developing stronger regulations. After deliberation, the council voted 6-1 to approve the pending moratorium, effective immediately and lasting up to 30 days, with plans to fast-track a text amendment to establish comprehensive data center regulations. The council emphasized the importance of regional coordination, community engagement, and balancing economic development with environmental and public health protections. The meeting concluded with plans to schedule a follow-up session to finalize the moratorium and continue regulatory work.