Community Conversation: Downtown Data Centers

Minneapolis City Council Members Elizabeth Shaffer (Ward 7) and Michael Rainville (Ward 3) co-hosted a Community Conversation on the future of data center development in downtown Minneapolis. As the City develops a permanent zoning framework for data centers, this panel brought together business, environmental, utility, and labor perspectives to explore adaptive-reuse projects, neighborhood impacts, energy and infrastructure demands, and the questions residents want the ordinance to answer. Recorded Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Public Service Building in downtown Minneapolis. Panelists: Don Kohlenberger — President, Hightower Initiatives Kathryn Hoffman — Chief Executive Officer, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy John Marshall — Regional Vice President, Xcel Energy; Chair, Minneapolis Downtown Council & DID Dan McConnell — Business Manager, Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council