October 27th: Join the Public Meeting on Proposed Data Center Regulation

Hello District 1 Neighbors, 

I have heard from residents concerned about data centers and what future development could mean for our neighborhoods. I take those concerns seriously and want to clarify what is being discussed, why District 1 is included, and how you can participate.

This Tuesday, October 27, at 5:30 p.m., the City will host a virtual public information meeting on its draft data center regulations.

View the proposed framework and register for the Zoom meeting Registration is required to receive the meeting link.

Why is District 1 part of this discussion?

Planning staff explained that a small portion of District 1 is already within the Industrial Limited zoning district. Because the draft framework would allow certain data centers in industrial zoning districts, that area appeared on a preliminary map showing where the proposed rules could apply.

In an October 7 email to me, City Planner Lisa Ernest clarified that the properties shown were not being rezoned and that no data center development had been proposed in that area near Silicon Prairie Business Park at that time.

The map identifies areas that could potentially qualify under the proposed rules. It does not represent approval of a development.

What is the City proposing?

The City is developing rules governing where data centers could operate and what standards they would have to meet. The draft framework includes:

• - Different requirements based on the size of a data center.
• - Limits on where larger facilities could locate, including proposed separation from residential areas and parks.
• - Noise mitigation requirements and screening for mechanical equipment.
• - Prohibitions on hyperscale facilities larger than 100,000 square feet and multi-building data center campuses.

These recommendations are not final. Tuesday's meeting concerns proposed citywide regulations, not approval of a specific data center project.

How can you participate?

The meeting will take place Tuesday, October 27, at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom, with a staff presentation followed by a question-and-answer session.

Please review the framework, attend if you can, and bring your questions. Further opportunities for public input will follow as the proposed regulations move through the City's review process. A recording will also be posted on the City's webpage for those unable to attend.

My focus is on advocating for meaningful neighborhood protections while these rules are being developed. Please continue sharing your questions and concerns with me at district1@cityofmadison.com so they can inform my work throughout this process.

With gratitude,

Devine O. Nzegwu

District 1 Alder