Aurora Hosts Open House on Data Centers Amid Moratorium

City seeks resident feedback as temporary ban on new data centers nears end.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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As Aurora, Illinois' temporary moratorium on new data center developments nears its end, the city is hosting an open house to allow residents to voice concerns and ask questions about the topic. The open house will take place on February 12th and is part of the city's effort to develop new guidelines for future data center projects.

Why it matters

Aurora has seen a rise in data center proposals in recent years, leading to concerns from residents about issues like noise, energy and water usage, air quality, and environmental impact. The open house is an opportunity for the city to gather community feedback to help shape its approach to regulating data centers going forward.

The details

The Data Center Open House will be held from 5:30-7pm on February 12th at the city's Public Works building. Residents and businesses will be able to ask questions, provide feedback, and learn about the considerations the city is taking into account as it develops new requirements for future data center developments. A survey about data centers is also available on the city's website to help inform the policy-making process.

  • The Aurora City Council implemented a temporary 180-day moratorium on new data center and warehouse proposals on September 25, 2025.
  • The moratorium is set to expire in late March 2026, but could be extended an additional 30 days.
  • The city plans to release its recommendations for new data center regulations within the next few weeks.

The players

Aurora

The city of Aurora, Illinois, which is hosting the open house and developing new guidelines for data center developments.

John Laesch

The mayor of Aurora, who stated the city is not against data centers but needs to put guardrails in place to protect residents and the climate.

CyrusOne

A data center operator in Aurora that has faced noise complaints from nearby residents, leading the city to sign an agreement with the company to address the concerns.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.