If you have been following the conversation about data center development in Spokane, you may be wondering: what is happening, and what can I do to help shape the future of these projects in our community?
In recent weeks, conversations about large-scale data center development have continued to move quickly across our region. These projects raise important questions about how we responsibly regulate for new industrial development, how we protect water resources, and how we balance perceived opportunity with the needs of our existing communities. Spokane Riverkeeper has been working alongside our partners, including 350 Spokane and The Lands Council, to advocate for a transparent process that fully considers the potential impacts of large-scale data center development on our water resources, energy systems, and communities.
Because these decisions happen through multiple processes, there are several places where community advocacy is needed to make a difference. Land use regulations, water service decisions, and county-level development policies are all part of the broader conversation.Recent news has highlighted discussions about potential large-scale data center development on the West Plains, where many commercial and industrial properties receive water service from the City of Spokane despite being outside city limits. It has also highlighted the need for local governments to consider whether existing policies are prepared to address the scale and potential impacts of these projects. While these are not the only decision points that will shape the future of data center development, they are important opportunities for public input right now.
This week, there are three opportunities for community members to get involved:
Spokane City Council (July 29): Speak about water use and the sale of City water outside city limits.
Spokane Planning Commission (July 30): Provide input on land use regulations related to data center development.
Spokane County Commissioners: Continue advocating for a countywide moratorium while the County evaluates how to respond to large-scale data center proposals.
These are not the only decisions that will shape the future of data center development in our region, but they are important opportunities right now for community members to participate and make sure local leaders hear from the people who live here.
1. Spokane City Council: Water Use and Sale of Water Outside City Limits – July 29
The Spokane City Council will hold another hearing related to data center development during their regular meeting on July 29th, beginning at 6pm. Spokane City Council has already adopted a temporary moratorium on new data center development. No additional City Council action is expected at this meeting, but the hearing provides an opportunity for Councilmembers to hear from the public and consider any additional information that may be relevant as they continue evaluating this issue.
One of the important roles the City plays in this conversation is through its water system. The City of Spokane is not only a water provider for residents within city limits, but it also provides water service beyond its boundaries through wholesale and intertie agreements with neighboring municipalities, including Airway Heights and Medical Lake. Because of this regional role, decisions made by the City about water service and future growth can have impacts far beyond the city limits. This is especially important as more information becomes available about potential large-scale development on the West Plains. Many commercial and industrial properties in this area receive water service from the City of Spokane.
At this point, there are still many unanswered questions about potential projects, including their location, scale, and resource needs. We are hopeful that City Council passed a moratorium, but urge the community to provide input on ways they can make a difference beyond city limits.
Community members can participate by:
Sign up to provide comments during the meeting, in person or online
Send written comments to the City Council.
2. Spokane County Planning Commission: Land Use Regulations – July 30
The Spokane Planning Commission is an important opportunity for community members to share their concerns and questions about how Spokane approaches large-scale data center development through land use planning.
The Planning Commission is a volunteer board that advises the County on land use policies and long-term planning. The Commission meets every other Thursday, beginning at 9AM, and takes public comments at the start of the meeting. Because this is an open public comment opportunity, community members can share their perspectives directly with the Commission and help inform their ongoing conversations about how existing land use policies may need to address new types of development.
Large-scale data centers are different from many types of development communities have traditionally planned for. These facilities can require significant amounts of land, electricity, infrastructure, and water, and their scale raises important questions about whether current land use policies are prepared to address potential impacts.
The Planning Commission does not limit the number of comments it accepts, so everyone who wishes to share their perspective will have an opportunity to be heard. This is an opportunity for community members to share what they believe should be considered as Spokane County evaluates future data center development, including questions about appropriate locations, infrastructure needs, and community impacts. Information about attending the meeting and providing public comment, in person or virtually, can be found at the top of their agenda here.
3. Spokane County: Continue Supporting a Countywide Moratorium
While City processes are moving forward, county action remains essential. Large-scale data center development is not limited by city boundaries, and Spokane County plays an important role in decisions about development in unincorporated areas.
Recent reporting has highlighted discussions between County leadership and potential data center developers, including proposals for development on the West Plains. These conversations reinforce why it is important for the County to establish a clear, transparent process before additional large-scale data center projects move forward.
Spokane County Commissioner Al French has indicated that he plans to introduce regulations related to data center development rather than pursue a moratorium. While we support thoughtful policies that address the impacts of these facilities, we believe the County needs time to fully understand the scale and potential impacts of large-scale data center development before projects move forward.
A countywide moratorium would provide time to gather information, evaluate potential impacts, and develop appropriate safeguards with meaningful community input. We continue to encourage community members to contact Spokane County Commissioners and ask them to adopt a countywide moratorium.
When contacting Commissioners, be sure to personalize your comments. Tell them where you live in Spokane County, why this issue matters to you, and what you want them to consider as they make decisions about the future of our region.
You might share why you care about:
Protecting the Spokane River and Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer.
Ensuring adequate review of water and energy demands.
Supporting transparent decision-making.
Protecting the qualities that make this community home.
You do not have to be an expert on these topics to participate. Personal stories and local perspectives are an important part of public decision-making. You can use this form to send a message to all of the County Commissioners.
The Spokane County Commissioners are currently on a two-week summer break. We will share additional updates and opportunities for engagement as soon as more information becomes available.
Thank you to everyone who has attended meetings, submitted comments, and helped raise awareness over the past several months. Your voices are making a difference, and this week's meetings are another important opportunity to help shape Spokane's future.
Looking for more background? Read our original blog post to learn more about data centers, water use, energy demand, and why Spokane Riverkeeper supports a temporary moratorium.