Data Center Development Updates

The Ames City Council continues to explore a proposal from technology company LIghtedge expressing interest in leasing City property for the construction of a co-location data center in Ames. At the same time, the proposal has encouraged the City Council to consider a broader analysis of policy for new development interested in Ames and the impact of that development on utilities, the environment, and quality of life concerns.

Lightedge Proposal

The proposed facility would be built out in phases based upon demand. The site being considered is 10.86 acres on Aviation Way, directly west of the property occupied by the Sigler Companies.

The Airport Master Plan identifies that this area could be used for non-aeronautical uses.

The first phase of the project would result in 3 MW of electrical demand. The second phase would follow shortly and use 6 MW. Ultimate buildout would demand 25 MW. The time estimate of the full buildout is 10 years.

Resident Data Center Study Committee

At the City Council meeting on Aug. 25, the Ames City Council voted to move forward on a plan to convene a "Study Committee" to develop recommendations around environmental impacts not considered in 12 items referred to staff at the July 28 meeting. These concerns with new development focus on heat generation and localized temperature increases, and impacts on wildlife, habitats, and human health.

Councilmembers Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, and ex-officio Iowa State University student Trey Anderson will spearhead the committee.

The charge of the Resident Data Center Study Committee is fourfold:

1. To find and evaluate published factual sources and data related to the above topics, seeking to present all sides of the issues and help Council to understand the context for these issues,
2. To identify reliable resources for Council to consider as it develops data center policies,
3. To deliver a report that explains and/or summarizes the findings presented in these resources and that provides links to the sources themselves, without arguing in favor of or against particular action, and
4. To present this report in a Council meeting for discussion.

To apply to serve on the Resident Data Center Study Committee, please apply below. Applications are due by Wednesday, Sept. 9.

Resident Data Center Study Committee Application

Study Committee Tentative Timeline:

Wednesday, Sept. 9: Application closes

Sunday, Sept. 13: Deadline for Council Subcommittee to choose committee members

Tuesday, Sept. 15: Council approves members at the Special Meeting of the Ames City Council;

By Wednesday, Sept. 30: First meeting held

September to December: Meetings decided upon by the Study Committee held

By Thursday, Dec. 31: First round of research completed.

By Monday, Jan. 31, 2027: Second round of research completed, if needed.

By Sunday, Feb. 28, 2027: Report delivered to City Council for presentation and deliberation

March 2027: Study Committee presents report to Ames City Council

Project History:

• Aug 25 - City Council meeting
  • The Staff Report from the meeting is linked here.
  • The recording the Aug. 25 meeting is linked here.

• Aug. 11 - City Council meeting

• The memo from the meeting is linked here.
• The recording of the Aug. 11 City Council meeting is linked here.

• July 28 - City Council Meeting
  • The Staff Report from the meeting is linked here.(PDF, 63KB)
  • The recording of the July 28 Ames City Council meeting is linked here.
• July 14 - City Council Meeting
  • The Staff Report from the meeting is linked here.(PDF, 66KB)
  • The recording of the July 14 Ames City Council meeting is linked here.

• June 30 - Special City Council “Listening Session”: Residents had an opportunity to provide input and share comments regarding the proposal through small group interactions with City Council and City Staff.

• June 23 - City Council Meeting: Staff provided a general overview of the request. The City Council did not make any decisions and did not take public comment during this meeting.
  • The Council Packet item is linked here.
  • The recording for the June 23 Ames City Council meeting is linked here.

• June 16 - A Staff Report was presented during Disposition of Communications to Council to highlight a proposal from Lightedge. City Council voted to place a Staff Report on the agenda for June 23 and a special resident listening session for June 30. 
  • A staff report describing the project in more detail is linked here.