Denver to form working group around data centers
Mayor Mike Johnston and Denver City Council Members Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez (President Pro-Tem, At-Large), Paul Kashmann (D6), and Darrell Watson (D9), have announced the next phase in the city’s moratorium on data centers, including the formation of a working group to provide recommendations on potential regulations and policy.
As part of the moratorium, City Council will work alongside the Mayor’s Office and city staff from Community Planning and Development (CPD), the Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (CASR) and Denver Public Health and Environment (DPHE) to convene a working group of experts and members of the community.
Those interested in joining the group should submit an application using the link below no later than Friday, September 4. A final working group will be announced by the end of October. Community members selected to serve on the working group must reside in Denver and will include the following constituencies:
- Members of the community (at least seven seats)
- Utility representatives (two seats)
- Union representatives (two seats)
- Industry representatives (at least one seat)
- Nongovernmental organizations, such as nonprofits and neighborhood groups (at least three seats)
- Academia representatives (at least two seats)
- Health care experts (at least two seats)
- Air quality experts (at least one seat)
Applications for the working group will be open through September 4.
Apply to serve on the working group
Learn more about the working group
Read the full press release
Data centers are facilities that house powerful computers and networking equipment used to store, process, and move digital information. They support everyday services like email, streaming, online banking, cloud tools, and critical sectors including health care, transportation, retail, and government. While data centers are a necessary part of our digital infrastructure, the facilities are also known to use immense amounts of electricity and water.
According to publicly available energy data provided to the city, there are currently five buildings that are used entirely as data centers in Denver, ranging from roughly 53,000 to 188,000 square feet. More than 40 buildings report smaller data center operations within a larger facility. While data centers are currently subject to regulations related to energy use, noise, air permitting, water permitting, and utility oversight, the city is reviewing regulations to ensure future development aligns with community health, environmental protection, and energy and water affordability.
In response to the rapid growth of new hyperscale data centers nationwide and the increasing demands created by artificial intelligence (AI) and other data-intensive technologies, Denver adopted a one-year moratorium on new data center applications in May 2026. During the one-year moratorium, the city will not accept, process, or approve applications for new primary use data centers or expansions of existing data centers.
The pause will allow the city to evaluate zoning classifications, environmental safeguards, infrastructure impacts, and opportunities for clear community benefits and engagement in any future data center development processes. During this pause, public input and community voices will be critical. If needed, an extension of the moratorium may be sought to ensure there is adequate time for the working group and staff to complete their efforts.
Common Questions
Why did Denver adopt a temporary moratorium on new data centers?
Denver City Council unanimously approved, CB26-0431, a temporary pause on new data center applications from May 21, 2026 to May 21, 2027 to provide adequate time for policy review and community engagement. The moratorium allows the city to evaluate zoning classifications, environmental safeguards, infrastructure impacts, and affordability protections before additional facilities are approved. Existing facilities and projects already permitted or under construction may continue operating, but future phases could be subject to new rules adopted after the review process.
When is the moratorium in effect?
The moratorium went into effect May 21, 2026, and is anticipated to last one year. Should additional time be required for the working group to complete its charge, the moratorium will be extended.
What regulatory changes are being considered during the data center moratorium?
The Working Group will focus on public health, community impact, climate goals, fair utility costs, technology needs, and development. The goal is to review and propose updates to Denver’s zoning and municipal codes, building and energy standards, and other city policies. However, the full list will be informed by the working group.
Will the city extend the moratorium if needed?
The Mayor’s Office and City Council sponsors (Council Pro Tem Gonzales-Gutierrez, Council Member Kashmann, and Council Member Watson) agree the deadline should be extended if necessary. An extension to the moratorium will require City Council approval.
During the moratorium, the city will conduct a robust public engagement process, including the formation of a working group. The working group will include individuals spanning the following categories: community members, utilities, unions, industry, nongovernmental organizations such as nonprofits and neighborhood groups, academia, and health care and air quality experts.
The goal of the working group is to review and recommend updates to the policies, codes, rules and regulations that govern data centers before any new projects move forward. The working group will focus on public health, neighborhood protection and equity, the city's climate goals, fair utility costs, and responsible development.
In addition to council members, the group will be comprised of at least 20 still-to-be-selected members, who will be chosen for the following seats:
- Members of the community (at least seven seats)
- Utility representatives (two seats)
- Union representatives (two seats)
- Industry representatives (at least one seat)
- Nongovernmental organizations, such as nonprofits and neighborhood groups (at least three seats)
- Academia representatives (at least two seats)
- Health care experts (at least two seats)
- Air quality experts (at least one seat)
Applications for the working group will be open through September 4.
Facilitation Team
The working group will be facilitated by Group14 Engineering and the Civic Consulting Collaborative who have been hired to guide this process after a selection team comprised of City Council members, the Mayor’s Office and Agency Staff reviewed proposals for facilitation and technical advisory services.
Common Questions
How can I apply to be on the Working Group?
Applications to the working group are open from August 21 to September 4, 2026.
To be considered, submit the application form.
What are the eligibility requirements to serve on the working group?
Minimum threshold requirements:
- Able to attend meetings, host two meetings in a box*, do homework, and serve on one subgroup
- Willing to participate respectfully
- Willing to review materials before meetings
*Meetings in a box are 8 to 15 person meetings facilitated by the working group member. These meetings will be supported in resources by the consulting group, and the outputs of these meetings will inform the broader working group.
To ensure local concerns are adequately reflected, community members selected to the working group are required to reside in Denver. Experts and representatives from utilities, unions, and industry are exempt from this requirement.
What is the timeline for the application process?
- August 21-September 4: Applications open
- September 4-25: Candidates are screened and phone interviews are conducted
- October 2: Working Group members and alternates are notified of selection
Who is on the selection team for the working group?
The selection team will be comprised of the following individuals and will be supported by the consulting group:
- Council Pro Tem Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, At-Large
- Council Member Paul Kashmann, District 6
- Council Member Darrell Watson, District 9
- Milagros ‘Millie’ Barsallo Rubio, Mayor’s Office Outreach Director
- Liz Babcock, Executive Director, Denver's Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency
- Justin Montgomery, Senior City Planner, Denver Community Planning and Development
How will Working Group members be selected?
Community members will be selected through a combination of recommendations from City Council members, the Mayor’s Office, and city staff, and an open application process.
Council members, the Mayor’s Office and city staff have identified individuals they believe would bring valuable perspectives to the discussion. At the same time, they recognize that many other residents have important experiences, expertise, and viewpoints to contribute. Opening an application process provides an opportunity for additional community members to be considered and helps ensure the working group reflects a broad range of perspectives from across Denver.
All prospective working group members will be required to submit an application, and applications will be reviewed using consistent selection criteria. In developing the final working group, the following factors will be considered:
- Geographic representation from across Denver
- Diversity of lived experiences and community perspectives
- Relevant professional, volunteer, or personal experience
- Ability to work collaboratively with people who hold differing viewpoints
- Commitment to attending meetings and participating in good faith
The objective is not to assemble a group that shares the same opinion, but rather one that reflects the diversity of experiences, values, and perspectives within Denver and is prepared to work together to develop practical recommendations for consideration.
What information will be published on the website regarding the Working Group applications?
- Selection criteria
- Application numbers
- Summary demographics (without identifying applicants)
- Explanation of how the group was balanced
When will the Working Group meet and will members of the public be able to join?
The working group, and/or the working group subgroups, will convene on the following dates and times:
- October 9, 2026 | 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
- October 29, 2026 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- November 12, 2026 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- December 3, 2026 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- January 21, 2027 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- February 11, 2027 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (subgroup meetings)
- March 11, 2027| 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- April 8, 2027 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (subgroup meetings)
- April 29, 2027 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- May 20, 2027 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Members of the public will be able to live-stream these meetings and recordings will be made available online. Additional information, including how to access the meetings, will be made available ahead of the October 9, 2026 meeting.
Public input is critical to the success of this process. Community members will have opportunities to learn about the project, share concerns, attend meetings, review materials, and comment on draft recommendations.
To stay up to date on the project and hear about community meetings and public engagement opportunities, be sure to sign up for email updates. Working group meetings will be streamed and recorded, and notes will be published after each meeting.
Submit a comment or question
Once the project is underway, meeting recordings and materials will be posted here after the fact.