HERE IN FARIBAULT, we’re only hours out from a public hearing on proposed rules for data centers.
Nationally, we’re less than a day from the mid-term elections.
I don’t need to tell you that both are important. We are all affected by election results. And all of us are affected by data centers, even if one is not built in our communities.
I’ll start with the data center since I want locals to be aware of the 6 p.m. Monday, November 2, Faribault Planning Commission hearing in the city council chambers. It’s important to attend, even if you opt not to speak.
Comments may also be submitted digitally by noon today at https://www.faribaultmn.gov/FormCenter/General-4/Online-Public-Input-Nov-2-Public-Hearing-128
According to a media release, the planning commission “is considering proposed rules which will better address data centers through enforceable performance standards that are intended to serve as regulatory safeguards for our community.”
You can bet many of us support regulations that will protect our environment, our health, our communities. Think water, air, light, noise, pollution, emissions, utilities, cost, land use…and on and on.
And, yes, it appears likely a data center will be coming to Faribault, despite opposition.
MORE UPCOMING MEETINGS ON DATA CENTERS
The Faribault Planning Commission will forward a recommendation to the City Council, which will discuss the proposal at a 6 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, work session and then set a date for a vote on the issue.
Additionally, the city’s monthly Council Chat at 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 18, at the city’s public works building will focus on data centers.
In a media release from the city, the event is detailed: “During this community engagement event, staff will have various stations focusing on key ordinances, such as land use, water and sewer, noise, lighting, and other rules of interest. The public will gain a better understanding of the intent of the rules and why they must be legally defensible and enforceable.”
That covers basic information for anyone concerned about data center regulations in Faribault.
VOTE
Now on to the election. Please vote if you haven’t already. In my decades of voting, this ranks as one of the most important, if not the most important, mid-term election in this country.
Every vote matters. Every voice matters. Locally. And nationally.
Be heard. Let your voice rise whether at the ballot box or at a public hearing.
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Data centres feel like the asbestos or coal mines of our time. The companies building and using them play dirty pool with regulations, indeed. I found that media release interesting, especially “performance standards that are intended to serve as regulatory safeguards” which feels a lot like “sound and fury, signifying nothing.”
I hope it goes well for your community. I always hope that.
The data centre companies tend to be sneaky with water rights, as well, in a way that would make Nestle blush.
Michelle, I think your comparison of data centers to asbestos and coal mines is spot on. I’m with you on not trusting these data center developers. I’ve seen too many cities cave to them. It will be interesting to see what happens at this evening’s public hearing.