The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
City of Waterloo
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Neutral Data Center Policies
Waterloo has enacted a three-month pause on data-center development, delaying new projects while the city considers possible requirements; it is not a permanent ban.
Rating from Iowa statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of Waterloo.
current law · City of WaterlooApproves a development agreement with Wahawk Power, LLC for a power project supporting a planned data center.Waterloo City Council development agreement and minimum-assessment agreement for 80,000-square-foot data center (2025)
People behind it
- WAHAWK POWER, LLC
Organization identified as the party with which the development agreement was entered.
Sources
current law · City of WaterlooPauses approvals for data-center development in Waterloo for three months while the city considers new requirements.Waterloo City Council data center moratorium (2026)
What this means
The proposed measure would temporarily pause data-center development in Waterloo for three months, delaying new projects while the city considers possible requirements (three-month moratorium). That is a substantial short-term barrier, but it is not a permanent ban on building or operating data centers.
Timing
- Ends
- three months after adoption
The City approved a temporary three-month moratorium on data-center development within the city limits. No extension condition is stated.
People behind it
- Morrow
Co-moved the resolution establishing a temporary moratorium on approvals relating to data centers.
- Creighton-Smith
Co-moved the resolution establishing a temporary moratorium on approvals relating to data centers.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
A three-month moratorium bars approvals for data-center development within Waterloo city limits while the City considers additional requirements. three-month moratorium on the development of data centers within the city limits
Sources
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