Ames City Council | July 14, 2026

The Ames City Council meeting on July 14, 2026, focused heavily on procurement and regulatory issues related to data center development within the city. Council discussed a proposal from Light Edge to locate a data center on city-owned airport property, reviewing legal tools to regulate or restrict data center construction, including zoning amendments, utility tariff modifications, noise control, and potential moratoriums or bans. The council voted to temporarily delay decisions on Light Edge's proposal to gather additional information and directed staff to pursue key regulatory changes related to data center definitions and utility codes. Additionally, the council approved awarding a contract to Denovo for construction project advisory services, emphasizing their role in design review and change order management. Other procurement actions included approval of downtown facade grants, a zoning text amendment for fuel pump positions requested by Kwik Trip, and acceptance of bids for water system and airport area site improvements funded by CDBG grants. The council also addressed easement documentation practices for utility infrastructure and approved ordinances related to city assessor terms and zoning overlay standards. The meeting concluded with motions to respond to public concerns about water quality and a closed session to discuss litigation matters.