City Council to Review Proposed Data Center; Includes Public Input

Published on June 18, 2026

Map of location of proposed data center

AMES, Iowa – The Ames City Council will begin reviewing a proposal for a potential data center development in Ames, with opportunities for residents to learn about the project and provide input before any decisions are made.

City staff recently received a letter from Lightedge expressing interest in developing a data center on approximately 10.86 acres along Aviation Way, directly west of property occupied by Sigler Companies. The proposed facility would be constructed in phases based on customer demand over an estimated 10-year period.

The review process includes these dates:

  • June 23 - 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. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 515 Clark Ave.
  • June 30 - Special City Council “Listening Session”: Residents will have an opportunity to provide input and share comments regarding the proposal. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 515 Clark Ave.
  • July 14 - City Council Meeting: The City Council will revisit the proposal and consider feedback received during the public listening session. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 515 Clark Ave.

The site is identified in the Airport Master Plan as suitable for non-aeronautical uses. Because the land is James H. Banning Municipal Airport property, any sale would require approval from the Federal Aviation Administration, including a land release, land-use change approval, and confirmation that any proceeds directly benefit the airport. A long-term lease could also be considered.

The first phase of the project would require approximately 3 megawatts of electrical demand, followed by a second phase requiring 6 megawatts. At full buildout, the facility could require up to 25 megawatts of electricity.

The proposal raises several issues that would need to be addressed by Ames Electric Services, including electrical capacity, transmission and distribution infrastructure, and potential impacts on utility rates. Any agreements would need to ensure project-related costs are borne by the developer rather than existing utility customers.

The property is currently zoned Planned Industrial, and a data center is a permitted use within that zoning designation. City officials emphasize that the proposal is in the early stages of review and that no decisions have been made.

###

 

Tagged as:
Back to top