Colorado Springs Explores Data Center Regulations Based on Romer Institute Report
A report from the Romer Institute has presented Colorado Springs with 14 potential policy recommendations on how to address and regulate data centers within the city. Four immediate actions are highlighted, including defining data centers in city codes, adjusting utility…
Colorado Springs Pueblo, CO, November 3, 2026 — A recent report from the Romer Institute has put forth 14 potential policy recommendations aimed at guiding Colorado Springs in the regulation of data centers within the city. The report, which offers a comprehensive look at the growing sector, identifies key areas for potential policy development.
Among the recommendations, the Romer Institute has highlighted four immediate actions that the city could consider to begin addressing data center development and operations. These initial steps are designed to establish a foundational framework for future policy decisions.
The first proposed immediate action involves clearly defining data centers within the city’s existing municipal codes. This clarification is crucial for establishing clear regulatory boundaries and understanding what types of facilities fall under specific ordinances. The second recommendation suggests exploring adjustments to utility rates for smaller data center facilities. This could involve tailoring rate structures to better suit the operational needs and scale of smaller businesses within the sector.
Thirdly, the report recommends the creation of a public registry of data centers, which would include information on their energy and water usage. Such a registry could provide transparency and allow for better monitoring of resource consumption across the city. The fourth immediate action proposed is the organization of public feedback sessions. These sessions would offer an opportunity for residents, businesses, and stakeholders to voice their opinions and concerns regarding data centers and their potential impact on the community.
The Romer Institute’s report provides Colorado Springs with a roadmap of 14 potential policy avenues to consider. The emphasis on these four initial actions signals a focus on foundational steps that could pave the way for more detailed regulatory measures in the future. The details regarding the implementation timelines or specific outcomes of these potential policies were not further elaborated in the provided summary.
Story summarized from the original created by Brennen Kauffman on gazette.com, see more information here.
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