Denver Announces Data Center Working Group Members
Selected from a pool of more than 250 applications, 29 community members will help lead the conversation on data centers in Denver as part of the project working group. The working group includes Denver City Council Members Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez (President Pro-Tem, At-Large), Paul Kashmann (D6), Darrell Watson (D9), and members of the public from across the city and providing a variety of perspectives and expertise.
The working group is comprised of union, utility, and industry representatives as well as those from academia, nonprofits, non-governmental organizations, community members, and experts in healthcare and air quality. It will meet over a period of several months to create policy suggestions to be considered by city leaders. All working group meetings will be streamed and recorded, and notes will be published on this page after each meeting.
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The working group roster is listed below. Community members are listed with the Denver City Council District in which they live.
Denver City Council Members
- Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez (President Pro-Tem, At-Large)
- Paul Kashmann (D6)
- Darrell Watson (D9)
Twelve Members of the Community
- Solicia E. Lopez (Council District 3)
- Erin Overturf (Council District 7)
- Andrea Nemer (Council District 7)
- Precious Lawrence (Council District 8)
- V. Quintana (Council District 9)
- Dr. Brandon Scott (Council District 9)
- Alfonso Espino (Council District 9)
- Rebecca Trujillo (Council District 9)
- Jessica N. (Council District 9)
- Gilbert Herrera (Council District 9)
- Rev. Terrance D. Carroll, former Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives (Council District 10)
- Marcus Weaver (Council District 11)
Two Union Representatives
- Julian Aguilar, IBEW 68
- Cecil Courtney, Pipefitters Local Union 208
Two Utility Representatives
- Melissa Almond, Corporate Economic Development Manager, Xcel Energy
- Andrew Hill, Government Affairs Manager, Denver Water
Two Industry Representatives
- Steve Jackson, CEO, Empowercom & Chair, African American Trade Association
- Matt Gallagher, Senior Manager - Strategic Partnerships, Satoshi Energy
Three Non-governmental Organization (NGO) Representatives
- Courtney Fieldman, Director of Utility Programs, Southwest Energy Efficient Project
- Ean Thomas Tafoya, VP of State Programs, GreenLatinos
- Jim Garcia, CEO and Founder of Tepeyac Community Health Center
Two Academia Representatives
- Dr. Mark Orrs, Teaching Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering, Design, & Society, Colorado School of Mines
- Dr. Benjamin Xie, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, University of Denver
Two Health Care Experts
- Kate Jennings, MD
- Abi Balajee
One Air Quality Expert
- Priyanka deSouza, Assistant Professor, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Colorado Denver
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 healthcare, transportation, retail, and government. The recent rapid development of data centers, including those much larger than what traditional computing services have previously required, is largely driven by the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI).
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?
Sponsored and led by City Council Members Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, Paul Kashmann, and Darrell Watson, Denver City Council unanimously approved, CB26-0431, a temporary pause on new data center developments 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, an extension to the moratorium will be considered by Denver City Council.
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 data center moratorium the city is conducting a robust public engagement process that includes a community working group. The working group includes individuals spanning the following categories: community members, utilities, unions, industry, nongovernmental organizations, such as nonprofits and neighborhood groups, academia, 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 may move forward. The working group will consider public health, neighborhood protection and equity, the city’s climate goals, fair utility costs, and responsible development.
Group 14 Engineering and Civic Consulting Collaborative (CCC) were selected to co-facilitate the Data Center Working Group and public engagement.
Meetings
The working group and subgroups will meet on the following dates. Meetings do not involve public participation, but the general public may observe meetings virtually via Zoom. Recordings of the meetings will be posted here after the fact.
- 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.
Membership
The group is comprised of 29 members, and will be supported by city staff. The members were chosen for the following seats:
Denver City Council Members
- Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez (President Pro-Tem, At-Large)
- Paul Kashmann (D6)
- Darrell Watson (D9)
Twelve Members of the Community
- Solicia E. Lopez (Council District 3)
- Erin Overturf (Council District 7)
- Andrea Nemer (Council District 7)
- Precious Lawrence (Council District 8)
- V. Quintana (Council District 9)
- Dr. Brandon Scott (Council District 9)
- Alfonso Espino (Council District 9)
- Rebecca Trujillo (Council District 9)
- Jessica N. (Council District 9)
- Gilbert Herrera (Council District 9)
- Rev. Terrance D. Carroll, former Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives (Council District 10)
- Marcus Weaver (Council District 11)
Two Union Representatives
- Julian Aguilar, IBEW 68
- Cecil Courtney, Pipefitters Local Union 208
Two Utility Representatives
- Melissa Almond, Corporate Economic Development Manager, Xcel Energy
- Andrew Hill, Government Affairs Manager, Denver Water
Two Industry Representatives
- Steve Jackson, CEO, Empowercom & Chair, African American Trade Association
- Matt Gallagher, Senior Manager - Strategic Partnerships, Satoshi Energy
Three Non-governmental Organization (NGO) Representatives
- Courtney Fieldman, Director of Utility Programs, Southwest Energy Efficient Project
- Ean Thomas Tafoya, VP of State Programs, GreenLatinos
- Jim Garcia, CEO and Founder of Tepeyac Community Health Center
Two Academia Representatives
- Dr. Mark Orrs, Teaching Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering, Design, & Society, Colorado School of Mines
- Dr. Benjamin Xie, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, University of Denver
Two Health Care Experts
- Kate Jennings, MD
- Abi Balajee
One Air Quality Expert
- Priyanka deSouza, Assistant Professor, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Colorado Denver
Common Questions
What were the eligibility requirements for the selection of 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 were required to reside in Denver. Experts and representatives from utilities, unions, and industry are exempt from this requirement.
Who selected the members of the working group?
The selection team was comprised of the following individuals and 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 were members selected?
Community members were 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 identified individuals they believe would bring valuable perspectives to the discussion. At the same time, they recognized that many other residents have important experiences, expertise, and viewpoints to contribute. An open application process was launched to provide 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 working group members were required to submit an application, and applications were reviewed using consistent selection criteria. In developing the final working group, the following factors were 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 was 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
How many people applied to be on the data centers working group?
255 individuals applied to be on the working group.
To stay up to date on the project and hear about community meetings and public engagement opportunities, sign up for email updates. The public is also welcome to submit comments or questions throughout the project.
Timeline and approach for community engagement
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. Public feedback will help the working group understand where there is agreement, where concerns remain, and what may need to be refined before recommendations are finalized.
To make sure there are meaningful opportunities for people to participate, the process includes two dedicated rounds of public engagement. These opportunities are designed to gather input from people across Denver, including communities that may be more directly affected by future data center development and voices that may not typically participate in city processes.
November–December: What Should Denver Consider?
November–December
The first round of engagement will focus on listening and learning. We want to understand what Denver residents see as the biggest needs, concerns, opportunities, and hopes related to data centers.
There will be several ways to participate:
What we hear during this round will help the Working Group identify the issues and priorities that should shape potential recommendations.
March–April: What Do You Think of the Options Proposed by the Working Group?
March–Early April
In the second round, the public will have an opportunity to review and respond to the potential policies and recommendations developed through the Working Group process.
Community members will be able to:
Once the project is underway, meeting recordings and materials will be posted here after the fact.