1 data center project in Ottawa City
Who decides here: the City Council of Ottawa City votes on zoning. The Franklin County may review big projects too.
In Ottawa City
Local votes and rules
🗳️ Public vote
Voters will decide on Nov. 3, 2026 whether to ban data centers that use more than 25 megawatts in Ottawa. The city did not act on the citizen petition (658 valid signatures needed), so residents sued and a judge put it on the ballot.
⚖️ Court case
A residents' group sued the city for ignoring its data center petition. On Sept. 3, 2026 the judge ordered the question onto the November ballot, but still has to decide if the petition is legal.
📌 Other
City commissioners voted 5-0 to end the sale of Proximity Park land to Lightfield Energy because the company did not turn in a development agreement in time.
What you can do
- Get told first.
We'll email you if anything changes in Ottawa City. - Go to council meetings.
Anyone can speak. Big projects usually need a public hearing. - Ask questions in writing.
Use our checklist.
🔔 Get told first
⚡ Your electric company
Depending on where you live in Ottawa City: 4 Rivers Electric Cooperative, Inc. (not available) or Evergy Metro (company) or City of Ottawa (not available).
Big data centers need a lot of power. Who pays for new power lines depends on state rules. See the rules in Kansas.