Nonprofit organization report looks at Colorado Springs data center regulations
Published: Nov. 6, 2026 at 8:24 AM MST
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - A new report is taking a closer look at how Colorado Springs could regulate data centers.
KKTV looked into the independent report that was done by the Romer Institute of Evidence-based Policy, a nonprofit organization. The city says the mayor asked for the report to look at the city’s existing structure for data center development, where there may be gaps, as well as things other similar cities have done.
The report says Colorado Springs is in a unique position because it owns its electric, water, natural gas, and wastewater utilities, giving local leaders more control over utility rules and rates.
It also brought up water usage, saying four of the city’s largest data centers combined use about 177,000 gallons of water a day, the same as about 996 households.
The report also says the city has some regulatory tools already, like enforceable noise limits, utility oversight policies, that could be adjusted rather that created.
There are a few things the report says the city can improve on. It says data centers don’t have their own zoning classification and recommends creating a specific zoning to establish standards. It also says the approval process for data centers could have more transparency and public involvement.
Applications for data centers currently don’t automatically trigger a public hearing, so the report suggests a clearer approval and oversight process.
Mayor Yemi Mobolade requested this report and it was done at no cost.
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