BUSINESS

Cities Review Data Center Impacts Amid Local Concerns

PUBLISHED Jul 6, 2026, 11:28 PM ET

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Topeka, Kansas. City council members held a study session Tuesday night and scheduled a July 7 presentation to define data centers under the municipal zoning code and discuss requiring Conditional Use Permits; officials said developers have made general inquiries but no formal proposals have been filed and the meeting sought to inform the public before potential projects arrive. Westfield, Massachusetts. City councilors voted Monday for a unanimous 365-day moratorium stopping permitting and construction of data centers after resident public comment raised concerns about water use, infrastructure and environmental impacts; officials said the pause allows committees time this year to investigate resource demands and consider zoning or permit changes.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Last year: AP reported global data centers used 448 trillion watt-hours of electricity.
Developers contacted Topeka city staff with general questions about water service and planning (no formal proposals).
Topeka City Council held a study session Tuesday night drawing nearly 100 residents to discuss data centers.
Topeka scheduled a July 7 presentation to discuss defining data centers under zoning and Conditional Use Permits.
Westfield City Council voted Monday to enact a 365-day moratorium stopping data center permitting and construction.

News Intelligence

Data centers can impact your community. They use a lot of electricity and water, which could affect your utility bills. They also bring construction and potential changes to local zoning. Stay informed by attending city council meetings or checking their website.

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Who Benefited

Technology companies and cloud providers stand to benefit through expanded capacity, potential new facilities, and increased revenue if municipalities permit data center development following zoning or permitting decisions.

Who Impacted

Local residents, municipal utilities, and neighboring communities may suffer increased water consumption, higher infrastructure costs, and environmental impacts if large data centers proceed without mitigations.

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