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.
Barron County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Pro-Data Center Policies
Barron County’s enacted measure temporarily halts data center development until Jan. 1, 2028, or earlier if permanent zoning takes effect; it delays new projects and expansions but does not permanently ban operations.
Rating from Wisconsin statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Barron County.
Specific to Barron County only.
current law · County measure: The county’s 17 zoned towns; the eight unzoned towns are not covered unless they adopt the county’s comprehensive zoning planBarron County adopted a temporary moratorium banning data-center development by a 28–1 vote at its October 19, 2026 meeting (adopted a temporary moratorium).Barron County Ordinance Imposing Temporary Moratorium on Data Center Development (2026)
What this means
The measure would temporarily stop data center development until Jan. 1, 2028, or earlier if permanent zoning takes effect. That creates a major delay for new projects and expansions, though it is not a permanent ban on data center operation.
Timing
- Ends
- Jan 1, 2028
The moratorium remains in effect until 2028-01-01 unless sooner repealed, modified, superseded, or replaced. It also terminates earlier when a permanent zoning ordinance governing data centers becomes effective.
People behind it
- Scott Bachowski
Barron County supervisor who introduced the motion to adopt the temporary moratorium.
- Peter Olson
Barron County supervisor who seconded the motion to adopt the temporary moratorium.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Imposes a temporary moratorium on data-center development until January 1, 2028, unless the County Board repeals, modifies, supersedes, or replaces it sooner; the moratorium also ends when permanent zoning regulations governing data centers take effect.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions2
The moratorium is temporary and ends on Jan. 1, 2028, unless the County Board repeals, modifies, supersedes, or replaces it earlier, limiting how long data-center development is blocked.
The moratorium ends automatically when a permanent zoning ordinance governing data centers takes effect, even if that occurs before Jan. 1, 2028.
Sources
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