Council Unanimously Approves Data Center Moratorium

A Microsoft data center in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin appears in a June 2026 photo. Photo courtesy of Microsoft The Milwaukee Common Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on new data center development, giving city officials time to establish permanent zoning regulations for the rapidly evolving industry. The moratorium generally prohibits the construction of new data centers or expansion of existing facilities while the city develops regulations addressing their potential impacts on noise, energy consumption, water use and air quality. But the city isn t entirely closing the door on new projects. Developers could still pursue site-specific detailed planned development zoning changes, a process that would require public hearings and approvals from the City Plan Commission and Common Council. The moratorium will expire after one year or upon adoption of permanent regulations, whichever comes first. State law also provides a mechanism for a six month extension. Ald