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"Is Ames getting a data center?"

A recent memo, including an attached staff report and data center development proposal, was shared with Ames City Council and the Mayor on June 12th. Understandably, this memo has some residents concerned. To be clear, Ames has an existing data center already, Global Reach Internet Productions. The developer proposing to build an additional data center is Lightedge.

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ACAT member Lee Anne Willson was asked to look at the Lightedge proposal and present her analysis to a session held at the Ames Public Library June 20. The ppt posted here is an updated version of that presentation, including information that was presented to the Ames City Council by City and by Lightedge staff on June 23.

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The City of Ames has released the following schedule of sessions related to the proposed data center:

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  • June 23 - 6pm City Council Meeting: Staff will provide a general overview of the request. The City Council will not make any decisions and will not take public comment during this meeting.

  • June 30 - 6pm Special City Council "Listening Session": Residents will have an opportunity to provide input and share comments regarding the proposal. This will take place at City Hall Auditorium.

  • July 14 - 6pm City Council Meeting: The City Council will revisit the proposal and consider feedback received during the public listening session.

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Action steps: 

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  • ​Attend the City's sessions related to the proposed data center (listed above). 

  • Click the "get involved" tab to get added to our email list. We have been keeping our members and concerned residents updated on developments related to this memo.

  • Join us for office hours on Mondays at 7pm. The data center proposal is just one of a few topic areas that ACAT members are currently focusing their efforts.

  • If opposed, join the "Ames vs Data Centers" Facebook group. There you will find other concerned Ames residents that are mobilizing around this topic.

  • If opposed, sign the petition created by local residents.

  • Write to the Mayor and City Council at mayorcouncil@cityofames.org.

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