Ottawa, Kansas – On Tuesday’s general election, voters overwhelmingly supported a citizen‑driven ordinance that bans hyperscale data centers using more than 25 megawatts of power within city limits for ten years. The final tally showed 71.85% in favor and 28.15% opposed.
Community effort behind the measure
The initiative was spearheaded by Ottawa United Inc., a grassroots group formed in May by Franklin County and Ottawa residents. After gathering enough signatures, the petition was placed on the ballot when the city commission declined to act on the proposal.
Two residents, Jessica Christopher, a Republican, and Kim Conard, a Democrat, highlighted the bipartisan nature of the effort. Christopher said, “Why not spread it around? There’s no reason one city should host all the responsibility of a large data center.” Conard added, “It gives you faith back in our democratic process and the fact that you can have a voice.”
City response and future development
Ottawa city manager Thatcher Moddie issued a statement acknowledging the vote while emphasizing the city’s continued focus on development, jobs, and property‑tax relief. “While this changes Ottawa’s ability to be in the running for the more advanced developments emerging in our region, it doesn’t change our mission,” Moddie said.
Moddie clarified that the ban does not prohibit all data centers; smaller facilities may still be considered under the new guidelines. “We’re not saying that no data center can be here over the next 10 years. They can, we’re just restricting the size,” Conard explained.
Background on the proposed project
The ordinance was prompted by a previously proposed 300‑acre data center at Proximity Park, for which the city had entered a sales contract with developer Lightfield Energy in December 2024. After multiple due‑diligence extensions and a lack of required development agreements, the city commission terminated the contract in September.
Even after the contract’s termination, Ottawa United members stressed the importance of the ban to ensure proper guardrails and environmental protections before any future projects move forward.
Legal framework and next steps
Kansas law permits voters to repeal or amend the ordinance before the city commission can act on it within the ten‑year period. The city will continue to explore development opportunities at Proximity Park and elsewhere, seeking projects that align with community values and economic goals.
The vote reflects a broader desire among Ottawa residents for transparent, responsible growth that safeguards the environment and local quality of life while still pursuing economic opportunity.
Original reporting: KSHB 41 Kansas City (local) — read the source article.
