In the fall of 2025, the Sun Prairie Common Council directed city staff to review the city's ordinances and policies related to potential data center development. In response, staff created a cross-departmental Data Center Workgroup to research the potential impacts of data centers, evaluate existing regulations and develop recommendations for the council's consideration.
As data center development has expanded across the country, and as several high-profile proposals have emerged in the region, the city is taking a proactive approach to understanding what future data center development could mean for Sun Prairie. This work includes evaluating potential opportunities, challenges, infrastructure needs, environmental considerations and other local impacts, including:
We want to be clear that there are no proposed data center developments in Sun Prairie, and the current infrastructure cannot support a hyperscale data center at this time. However, this workgroup is committed to ensuring the city is prepared should a proposal be submitted in the future by establishing clear policies, expectations and a thoughtful decision-making framework in advance.
Next steps
As the Data Center Workgroup continues exploration and discussion, reporting out to commissions and committees will begin in August 2026. Below are a few dates to keep in mind. Residents are welcome to attend and view these public meetings to learn more about the status of the findings and next steps.
Monday, August 17: Data Center Workgroup presentation at the Sun Prairie Utilities Commission
Tuesday, August 18: Data Center Workgroup presentation to Committee of the Whole
Tuesday, August 18: Common Council
Tuesday, August 25: Public hearing and data center moratorium ordinance at Plan Commission
Tuesday, September 1: Data center moratorium ordinance second reading at Common Council
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City of Sun Prairie
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