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 Bemidji
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Bemidji has enacted a one-year pause on new data centers of at least 10,000 square feet while the city studies possible rules; smaller facilities and day-to-day operations do not appear covered.
Rating from Minnesota statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of Bemidji.
current law · City of BemidjiProhibits establishing or constructing data centers of 10,000 square feet or more, including cryptocurrency-mining facilities, in Bemidji for up to one year while the city studies regulations.City of Bemidji proposed one-year data center moratorium (2026)
What this means
The measure would block new qualifying data centers for up to a year while the city studies possible rules, making development substantially harder during that period (one-year moratorium). It targets facilities of at least 10,000 square feet; it does not appear to ban their day-to-day operation or smaller facilities (10,000 square feet).
Timing
- Ends
- Calculated September 14, 2027; not expressly stated
Packet Section 9 provides immediate effect upon adoption. Section 6 provides 12 months from adoption, ending earlier when a data-center Development Code ordinance becomes effective or the Planning Board adopts an ending resolution. The calendar anniversary is calculated from the recorded adoption, subject to confirming final text and any later termination.
People behind it
- Fiskevold Gould
Moves approval.
- Thayer
Seconds approval.
- Dickinson
Sole recorded nay vote.
Show 1 more peopleShow fewer people
- Melissa Fahrenbruch
Assistant Planning Director; prepares staff report.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements3
Packet Section 5 prohibits establishing or constructing a data center citywide during the term.
Definition expressly includes cryptocurrency mining facilities containing at least 10,000 square feet.
Packet Section 7 makes violations a misdemeanor and authorizes injunctive relief.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Limited carve-outs, not affirmative development incentives: the packet definition starts at 10,000 square feet and excludes IT equipment or facilities accessory and subordinate to another lawful principal use. This does not establish an entitlement under other zoning rules.
Sources
Data provided by Regbase · Cookie preferences · Report missing data