Alderwoman Pratt's directing resolutions ask DCD to research regulations addressing energy, water and neighborhood impacts of data centers and to develop a public dashboard. DCD pledged cooperation and a six‑month timeline for initial recommendations but said a formal city dashboard may be limited by available permit data.

The Milwaukee Common Council approved, by unanimous consent, a substitute ordinance placing a one-year temporary pause on new data center construction (file 251,924) to allow time for regulatory review amid constituent concerns about economic, land-use and environmental impacts.

A substitute ordinance establishing a temporary pause (the lesser of one year or until the zoning code is amended) on the establishment or enlargement of data centers was recommended by the committee; staff said the pause excludes existing data centers and plan-development districts and will buy time to develop an evidence-based regulatory framework.

After a lengthy hearing with dozens of speakers, the commission voted to impose a one‑year pause on establishment or expansion of data centers in Milwaukee while staff and policymakers develop targeted zoning rules addressing energy, water, noise and community safeguards. The measure passed with technical revisions to be finalized.