Carolyn Jardine proposes task force for Provo data center development guidelines

The Provo City Council meeting on April 8, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding data center development in the city. Carolyn Jardine, a resident and member of the Energy Board, expressed her concerns about the implications of such developments on the community.

Jardine highlighted that the companies driving the demand for data centers prioritize their investors over local community needs. She urged the council to consider forming a short-term task force dedicated to evaluating what Provo City requires from data center projects. This task force would establish specific parameters for future developments, ensuring that community interests are taken into account.

She emphasized the importance of public engagement in the decision-making process and noted the benefits of having active citizen participation in policy creation. Jardine referenced insights gained from a recent UMPA conference, where experts discussed successful data center projects and their impact on host cities.

The council's response to Jardine's recommendations and the future of data center development in Provo remains to be seen, but her call for a structured approach reflects growing community interest in balancing economic development with local needs.