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Aurora City Council to Discuss Ending Data Center Tax Incentives and Approving $1.4 Billion Budget Amid Deficit

Aurora City Council to Discuss Ending Data Center Tax Incentives and Approving $1.4 Billion Budget Amid Deficit

The Aurora City Council is scheduled to address several key issues in its upcoming meetings, including a proposed ordinance to prohibit future sales and use tax incentives for data centers. This discussion follows previous council debates on data center regulations and two rejections of a data center moratorium, despite significant public opposition to such facilities, particularly the Trident Data Center. Additionally, the council will receive updates on accessibility improvements planned for the council chamber, which aim to address non-compliance issues identified in an ADA facility assessment. A major agenda item for the regular council meeting is the vote on adopting the city’s $1.4 billion 2027 budget, which is currently facing a $20 million deficit. The council will also consider a comprehensive safety action plan and a pay table for city staff.

Lakewood City Council Adopts Strategic Framework for Redevelopment and Approves 20-Year Parks Plan

Lakewood City Council Adopts Strategic Framework for Redevelopment and Approves 20-Year Parks Plan

The City of Lakewood is actively pursuing several community initiatives, including the adoption of a long-term strategic framework for redevelopment and a 20-year Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Legacy Plan. On November 2, 2026, the Lakewood City Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-10, establishing a framework to evaluate and advance redevelopment opportunities across the city. This framework aims to encourage private investment, expand housing options, support employment, and strengthen the city's economic and fiscal health. The Lakewood Station District will serve as the initial pilot area for this initiative. Concurrently, the City Council also adopted the community-informed Legacy Plan for parks and recreation, which will guide future investments, priorities, and grant applications for the next two decades. This plan addresses needs such as improved park access, trail connections, and enhanced maintenance.

Colorado Springs Welcomes Independent Review of Data Center Policies by Romer Institute

Colorado Springs Welcomes Independent Review of Data Center Policies by Romer Institute

The City of Colorado Springs has officially welcomed an independent report from the Romer Institute of Evidence-based Policy concerning its data center development policies. Requested by Mayor Yemi Mobolade earlier this year, the report provides an external, data-driven assessment of the city's current regulatory framework. It evaluates existing policies, identifies areas of strength, highlights gaps, and suggests additional measures to guide responsible data center development. The review comes as municipalities nationwide are grappling with the rapid expansion of data centers and associated challenges like infrastructure capacity, energy and water consumption, neighborhood impacts, and economic opportunities. Mayor Mobolade emphasized that the review aims to ensure Colorado Springs' approach is informed by objective research and national best practices, rather than solely relying on existing processes. The Romer Institute's analysis points out Colorado Springs' unique advantage in managing utility-relate...

Wheeling City Council Approves FEMA Funding and Addresses Data Center Regulations

Wheeling City Council Approves FEMA Funding and Addresses Data Center Regulations

Wheeling City Council approved $1.3 million in FEMA funding for various restoration projects during its Wednesday evening meeting. These projects include critical slope repairs at Evelyn Avenue and Glenwood Road, as well as the restoration of youth baseball fields on W.Va. 88 and at the I-470 JB Chambers Sports Complex. The council meeting, held at Wheeling University to celebrate the reopening of the Washington Avenue Bridge, also addressed proposed changes to an ordinance regulating data centers. Mayor Denny Magruder highlighted the city's gratitude for the FEMA funds and the staff's efforts in securing them. Revisions to the data center ordinance, which include financial adjustments like a $20,000 applicant deposit and a potential $40,000 cap on council services, are expected to be posted online, with a first reading scheduled for the next council meeting.

City of Perry Appoints Justin Kilgore as New Community Development Director

City of Perry Appoints Justin Kilgore as New Community Development Director

The City of Perry, Georgia, has officially named Justin Kilgore as its new Community Development Director. The announcement was made via a news release on Tuesday. Kilgore brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having most recently served as the planning manager for El Paso County, Colorado. His professional background also includes previous positions as a city administrator and manager, along with senior roles in planning, development, grants, and procurement. Kilgore's expertise encompasses comprehensive planning, zoning, development reviews, and capital projects. A native of Georgia, he grew up in McDonough and began his career within the state. He holds a bachelor’s degree in geography from Georgia Southern University and a master’s degree in community and economic development from Penn State University. Additionally, he is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners. Kilgore replaces Joe Duffy, who resigned on April 29, with Economic Development Director Holly Wharton serving as ...

Joliet Voters Reject Data Center Construction for AI Technology in Advisory Referendum

Joliet Voters Reject Data Center Construction for AI Technology in Advisory Referendum

In a recent advisory referendum, voters in Joliet overwhelmingly rejected a proposal concerning the construction of data centers intended to power artificial intelligence technology. Nearly 80% of voters opposed the measure, according to unofficial results from the Will County Clerk’s Office. This referendum was one of several ballot questions across the Chicago area, including measures on mayoral recalls and term limits. The clear rejection by Joliet voters indicates a strong community sentiment against the development of AI data centers within the city, at least under the terms presented in the advisory question.

South Portland Voters Reject $88 Million Proposal for New Police and Fire Stations

South Portland Voters Reject $88 Million Proposal for New Police and Fire Stations

South Portland residents have rejected an $88 million bond proposal aimed at constructing new police and fire stations. Approximately 63% of voters opposed the measure. The city had proposed building two new facilities to replace the existing ones on Anthoine Street, which were built in 1955 (fire station) and 1967 (police station). City officials cited the age of the buildings, their inability to meet current codes, and significant mechanical, electrical, and plumbing issues, including HVAC systems past their lifespan. The basement of the current facility is below the flood plain, leading to regular water intrusion in multiple rooms during heavy rain or high tides, which has necessitated frequent repairs and repainting. Staff at the fire station also face challenges such as sharing limited spaces.

Minot Police Department to Begin Remodeling Phase One, Seeking Bids by December 8

Minot Police Department to Begin Remodeling Phase One, Seeking Bids by December 8

The City of Minot is proceeding with the initial phase of remodeling for the Minot Police Department. The Minot City Council, following a report from the architectural design lead on Monday, November 2, has approved the release of a bid package for the project. A tentative bid opening is scheduled for Tuesday, December 8. This development marks a significant step in upgrading the police department's facilities, indicating a commitment to improving infrastructure for law enforcement services within the city. The decision to move forward with the bid process suggests that the planning and design stages have progressed sufficiently to begin the physical work of the remodel.

Wilmington City Council Votes to Reintroduce Day-Use Facilities to City Code

Wilmington City Council Votes to Reintroduce Day-Use Facilities to City Code

The Wilmington City Council has voted 4-2 to restore group day facilities as a permitted use within certain residential and commercial zoning districts. This decision follows the elimination of the day shelter category from the city code during a Land Development Code update in 2021. The amended ordinance will undergo a second reading at the next City Council meeting, and if approved again, it will become effective immediately. Under the proposed ordinance, day-use facilities will require conditional zoning approval, necessitating two hearings: one before the Planning Commission and another before the City Council. Mayor Pro-Tem Kevin Spears and Councilwoman Chakema Clinton-Quintana dissented, expressing concerns that the item was rushed and that more time was needed to consider aspects such as the required staff-to-client ratio for future facilities. Tony Perez of Living Hope Day Center, who recently withdrew plans for a day center due to community opposition, spoke in favor of the ordinance.

City of Watertown, New York, Cancels November Planning Commission Meeting Due to Lack of Quorum

City of Watertown, New York, Cancels November Planning Commission Meeting Due to Lack of Quorum

The City of Watertown Planning Commission meeting, originally scheduled for November 3, 2026, was canceled due to a lack of a quorum. The announcement was published on November 3, 2026, and directed interested parties to an attached flyer for more information. A quorum is the minimum number of members required to be present for a meeting to be valid and for official business to be conducted. The absence of a sufficient number of commission members prevented the meeting from proceeding as planned, leading to its cancellation. This decision was made by the City of Watertown, New York, to adhere to procedural requirements for governmental meetings.

Sioux Falls City Council Unanimously Passes Downtown Parking Ordinance

Sioux Falls City Council Unanimously Passes Downtown Parking Ordinance

The Sioux Falls City Council unanimously approved a downtown parking ordinance during its second reading on Wednesday. This ordinance, which had been deferred from a previous meeting, will increase parking rates in downtown Sioux Falls. Under the amended ordinance, parking rates can now go up to $2.00 per hour. However, rates at the bus depot ramp and mural will be reduced by half during business hours, set at $0.75 per hour. The new amendments also mandate that the city must notify both the City Council and the public about any parking fee increases at the beginning of each year.

South Portland Voters Reject $88.6 Million Bond for New Police and Fire Stations

South Portland Voters Reject $88.6 Million Bond for New Police and Fire Stations

South Portland residents have overwhelmingly rejected an $88.6 million bond proposal intended to fund the construction of new police and fire stations. On Tuesday, 63% of voters cast their ballots against the measure. The proposed bond allocated $44.35 million for a new police station on the former Walgreens lot at Cash Corner and $44.25 million for a new fire station on the existing building's property. A total of 5,002 ballots supported the bond, while 8,658 residents voted against it, resulting in a roughly 3-to-2 margin of defeat. The City of South Portland had argued that the current police and fire stations are aging and do not meet modern public safety, accessibility, or operational standards, and that renovations would be costly without fully addressing underlying issues. Opponents, however, contended that the project was too expensive and would impose an excessive burden on taxpayers, especially during challenging economic times.