Volunteers needed for Linn County's Data Center Advisory Committee
LINN COUNTY, Iowa — Linn County is asking people to apply to serve on a volunteer committee that will help review regulations for large-scale data centers.
The Data Center Advisory Committee is part of the county’s 18-month moratorium on new large-scale data centers in unincorporated Linn County. Approved July 1, the moratorium gives the county time to consider whether its current zoning rules address issues related to data center development.
The committee will review existing regulations and make recommendations to the Linn County Board of Supervisors on potential code changes.
“When the Board of Supervisors approved a temporary pause on data centers, our intent was to slow down, listen, and thoughtfully evaluate how we plan for the future,” Linn County Supervisor Brandy Meisheid said. “Important decisions about our communities deserve careful consideration, opportunities for public input, and collaboration with those who will be affected. The Data Center Advisory Committee is an important part of that process.”
The county plans to select 20 to 25 people from those who apply. They will be joined by representatives from each city in Linn County and representatives from the boards of supervisors in Johnson and Benton counties.
The full committee could include up to 40 people representing a range of perspectives.
“A mix of perspectives is critical to help ensure our plan and regulations reflect the needs of our communities,” Meisheid said. “Growth does not stop at jurisdictional boundaries, and our planning shouldn’t either.”
The committee will meet in person up to eight times from December 2026 through June 2027 at the Linn County Public Service Center, 935 Second St. SW in Cedar Rapids.
Subject matter experts will present information during the meetings, with committee members then discussing the topics in small groups. Meetings are expected to focus on issues including energy and grid infrastructure, water resources, siting and planning, and zoning regulations and lifecycle.
Committee members will also be required to complete open meetings and open records training, which takes about 90 minutes.
People who live in Linn County and are interested in applying for the roles can apply online or by calling the Board of Supervisors office at 319-892-5000.
The deadline to apply is October 19, 2026.