Data Center Zoning Code Text Amendment

This was a city planning meeting held by the City of Minneapolis on August 17, 2026, focused on proposed zoning code amendments related to data centers. The discussion centered on updating zoning regulations to address the growth of data centers driven by AI and private investment, particularly in downtown Minneapolis. Key procurement-related topics included the regulation of data center size, location, and operational impacts such as noise, water, and electricity use. The city proposed allowing data centers as conditional uses in certain downtown zoning districts with limits on the "white space" area dedicated to IT equipment, and considered overlay districts for smaller data centers outside downtown. The meeting outlined requirements for coordination with utility providers, noise mitigation, and transparency in project details. A public comment period was underway, with final recommendations expected to be considered by the City Planning Commission and City Council in November 2026, coinciding with the expiration of the current moratorium on data centers. No specific contract awards or vendor selections were discussed, but the policy changes could influence future data center development and related procurement in Minneapolis.