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Supervisors raise data center concerns and consider proactive policy work
Summary
Board members reported back from NACO and discussed the benefits and limits of data center development, including power and water constraints, aging ordinances, and the idea of proactively developing standards rather than imposing moratoria.
During board reports Supervisor (Speaker 9) summarized information from the National Association of Counties and recent conferences about data centers, describing both fiscal benefits and community concerns. He cautioned that Blackhawk County likely lacks the power generation to attract large hyperscale data centers but recommended early policy work on noise, power, water, emissions, setbacks and appearance so the county can better respond when inquiries arrive.
"Data centers provide municipalities with substantial economic and fiscal benefits…" he said, while also warning of tradeoffs. Other supervisors urged an intentional, multi-stakeholder approach — including economic development committees and city partners — to craft guidance rather than rely on stopgap measures. The board agreed that studying the issue and coordinating among local governments would be a prudent next step.
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