Stopping Data Centers in Minneapolis

August 19th, 2026

Dear Community,

Earlier this summer, I shared that data center developers are lobbying inside City Hall to try and prevent or weaken any regulations on data centers in Minneapolis. Data centers exist to generate profit for big tech billionaires. Corporate lobbyists have already been successful at securing significant loopholes in the six-month moratorium on new data centers that the City Council approved in May. 

Last week, the Frey administration publicly posted their proposal for data centers. They propose opening up all of downtown with Primary Zoning for data centers, which would mean that the City Council wouldn’t be legally allowed to reject a proposed data center based solely on community opposition. Most concerningly, the Frey administration also proposed an Overlay District for data centers outside of downtown, which would create the potential for new data centers to be constructed on most major commercial corridors of our city, including all of Dinkytown, Cedar Riverside, East Lake Street, West Broadway, and many more. This should be a wake-up call to residents that the Frey administration and some Council Members are advancing a proposal to make significant portions of our city eligible for data centers. 

Frey administration’s proposed eligible areas for data centers

A photo of the initial proposed zoning districts eligible to apply for a data center overlay, which include RM3, CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, PR1, and PR2. Zoning districts not eligible to apply for the overlay include UNI, UN3, UN3, RM1, RM2, and TR1.

To help residents visualize what these zoning districts mean for our communities, my office created a map of the city with the Frey administration's proposal for the Data Center Overlay District. The areas downtown would have Primary Zoning, and everything in blue would be included in the Overlay District and eligible to apply for a data center. 

Mayor Frey’s proposal for data center development. Downtown would have Primary Zoning and everything blue would be included in the Overlay District and eligible to apply for a data center. 

The Frey administration posted this proposal online at the end of last week, but has since taken down this proposal and replaced it with much more vague language on the City website. I find this concerning and believe the Frey administration should be forthright and transparent about their proposal. 

Our commercial corridors should be for small business, housing, mixed-use development, and thriving communities. Data centers do not belong anywhere in Minneapolis, but it is particularly appalling to see a proposal to allow data centers in our cultural corridors, green zones, and some of our most vibrant neighborhoods. 

The City Council is set to vote on data center regulations in November. If you want to stop data centers from coming to your neighborhood, now is the time to organize and make your voice heard. 

Ways to Fight Data Centers in Minneapolis

Flyer for data center regulations public hearing, with QR code to provide feedback online.

• A 60-Day Comment Period on Data Centers Regulations is now open. You can learn more and submit your comment here. 
• Make your voice heard at the public hearing on October 13, 4:30 PM at the Planning Commission Meeting, at the Public Service Center (250 S 4th Street). I am working with my colleagues to organize additional public hearings. 
• I also encourage residents to organize with your neighbors and local small businesses against data centers coming to your community. Petitions, rallies, doorknocks, public meetings, demonstrations, and resolutions by Neighborhood Associations are a few great ways to work with your neighbors to fight data centers in your community.