technology

The Bemidji Planning Board voted 6-1 to prohibit new developments of data centers greater than 10,000 square feet during its meeting Sept. 14, 2026.

An ordinance for a one-year moratorium on data center developments is on its way to the Bemidji Planning Board, with another opportunity for public comment on Sept. 14, 2026.

Carlton County's Board of Commissioners considered a data center moratorium for months before approving it unanimously on Aug. 24, 2026.

The discussion comes months after an inaccurate news report listed Bemidji among places where data centers were being considered.

Carlton County is considering enacting a year-long moratorium on data centers. An interim study would investigate whether data center regulations are needed in the county.

A motion was started at the Carlton County Committee of the Whole meeting July 7, 2026, for an interim ordinance on the development of data centers.

A data center discussion is on the agenda for the Carlton County Committee of the Whole meeting on July 7, 2026. A local group is asking for a yearlong moratorium.

Hermantown and Google jointly agreed to the updated study with current information allowing for greater specificity, the city reported.

Hermantown officials are considering a tax abatement agreement with Google as more details emerge and debate surrounds a proposed data center development.

The gift will upgrade learning technology and create endowments, new student scholarship funds and an innovation fund to support regional partnerships.