Elected officials from municipalities, local school districts, and Johnson County met yesterday for the first meeting of the Digital Infrastructure Work Group, a collaborative, county-wide planning effort facilitated by Greater Iowa City, Inc. As digital infrastructure continues to evolve, communities across the country are evaluating proposals ranging from small-scale technology facilities to large data centers. Greater IC has convened the Digital Infrastructure Work Group to provide elected officials with accurate, localized information when considering future digital infrastructure projects and to support a coordinated approach across Johnson County.
Developing Shared Principles While Maintaining Local Authority
A primary goal of the Digital Infrastructure Work Group is to develop guiding principles that local jurisdictions may use when creating digital infrastructure ordinances. The work group will meet monthly and aims to formulate recommendations by early 2027.
At each meeting, the work group will explore topics such as environmental impacts, infrastructure capacity, land use and planning, economic impacts, and community benefit agreements. Greater IC staff will facilitate conversations with local subject matter experts and draft guiding principles based on these discussions.
While the group is working collaboratively, each participating jurisdiction will retain full local authority over its own planning, zoning, and policy decisions. Communities will ultimately decide whether and how to incorporate the principles into their local ordinances and development frameworks. However, decisions made by individual communities can have regional impacts and should be informed by shared priorities and values.
Building Consensus Around Community Priorities
The first meeting highlighted an opportunity to explore a more unified regional approach to evaluating digital infrastructure proposals. Participants discussed industry trends, lessons learned from other communities, and criteria related to environmental mitigation and community benefit. They also discussed the legal limits of local regulation, what could constitute an unlawful de facto ban, and how temporary moratoria may provide time to develop thoughtful ordinances.
By examining these topics together, local leaders can build a stronger foundation for informed decisions and, where appropriate, establish consistent expectations across jurisdictions. The goal is not to predetermine outcomes, but rather to ensure communities have the information necessary to thoughtfully evaluate future opportunities.
Supporting Informed Civic Dialogue
Greater Iowa City, Inc.’s role in this effort is that of a neutral convening partner. The organization is not advocating for or against data centers or any specific digital infrastructure project. Instead, Greater IC is facilitating conversations, providing access to accurate technical information, and connecting communities with legal and policy expertise that can support informed decision-making.
As discussions around digital infrastructure continue nationally and locally, elected officials seek reliable information about potential impacts, benefits, and tradeoffs. The Digital Infrastructure Work Group is designed to meet that need by creating a forum for fact-based discussion and collaborative learning.
Greater IC remains committed to supporting informed civic dialogue on this important community issue and helping local governments prepare for future digital infrastructure opportunities while preserving local control and community values.
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