Ames City Council Meeting Summary
July 28, 2026
Overview
The Ames City Council discussed several major community topics during its July 28, 2026 meeting, including the city’s approach to data center development, improvements planned for the 13th Street and Grand Avenue intersection, and major investments in the future of the Ames Municipal Energy Center.
This summary is based on the meeting discussion and supporting public meeting materials. It highlights what was discussed, actions taken, and future work identified during the meeting.
Key Topics Discussed
Data Center Development and Temporary Pause
The City Council continued its discussion about potential data center development in Ames, building on questions raised during a June 30 public input session and previous council discussions.
Council asked staff to develop a timeline for addressing key questions and concerns related to data centers. The discussion focused on creating a more detailed process rather than setting an arbitrary pause period without knowing what work needed to be completed.
Staff identified approximately six months as an aggressive estimate for completing the previously identified work. Council also identified additional topics for review beyond the original 12 questions included in the staff report.
The council’s direction included:
- Reviewing the 12 questions previously identified in the staff report.
- Adding additional areas of study identified by council.
- Considering whether an advisory committee could help address questions requiring community expertise or perspectives.
- Gathering additional information before making future decisions.
The council approved a temporary pause on data center development discussions that will remain in place through May 1, 2027. The purpose of the pause is to allow time for:
- Reviewing possible ordinance changes.
- Developing guidance and design considerations.
- Examining processes related to future proposals.
- Gathering additional information and community input.
The discussion emphasized that the pause could potentially be shortened if work is completed sooner or extended if additional time is needed.
Council members noted that the goal is to make decisions based on information, research, and community input rather than reacting to pressure from either supporters or opponents of data center development.
Future discussions are expected to address different categories of questions over multiple meetings rather than attempting to resolve every issue at once.
Traffic System Capacity Improvements: 13th Street and Grand Avenue
The council discussed progress on planned improvements at the 13th Street and Grand Avenue intersection, one of Ames’ busiest traffic locations.
Previous plans for improvements at the intersection required acquiring significant property, but that approach ended before completion. The city later hired a consultant to evaluate a different approach.
The updated approach requires:
- Acquiring or obtaining easements involving properties near the intersection.
- Working through purchase agreements with affected property owners.
- Continuing planning and design work.
Council approved a resolution accepting easements and approving purchase agreements related to the Traffic System Capacity Improvement Program.
Discussion included:
- Approximately half of the properties requiring easements or acquisition had agreed to financial arrangements.
- The amount of compensation varies depending on the impact to each property.
- Additional details and negotiations remain part of the ongoing process.
The project timeline discussed during the meeting included:
- Continued planning work through the fall and spring.
- Potential smaller improvements beginning sooner.
- Major construction work anticipated around calendar year 2028.
The city expects the improvements to help traffic flow and reduce delays at the intersection once completed.
Ames Municipal Energy Center
The council discussed major contracts related to the Ames Municipal Energy Center, a significant long-term investment in the city’s electricity generation system.
The project represents an important step in transitioning away from the city’s existing waste-to-energy power generation approach over time.
Two major purchases were highlighted.
The council approved a contract for a large electric step-up transformer.
The transformer will increase the voltage of electricity generated by the new engines so it can be delivered as electric service to the community.
The contract amount was reported as more than $2 million.
Engine Purchase
The council also approved the purchase of three large engine systems for the energy center.
The purchase includes more than just the engines themselves. The contract includes:
- Engine systems.
- Associated equipment.
- Stacks.
- Cooling systems.
- Control systems.
- Shipping.
- Installation.
- A multi-year service agreement.
- Applicable tariffs, exchange rates, and taxes.
The total contract amount was reported as more than $70 million.
The council described the project as one of the largest contracts it has approved and a major long-term investment for Ames.
The new facility is expected to support the city’s future electricity needs while the community continues investing in other energy resources, including solar and wind.
Discussion noted that Ames’ existing power plant has operated for more than 100 years, with waste-to-energy operations continuing for more than 50 years. The Municipal Energy Center is expected to serve the community for decades into the future.
Looking Ahead
The council identified several areas where additional work and discussion will continue:
- Data center review and evaluation of additional questions.
- Future updates related to the temporary data center pause.
- Continued planning for 13th Street and Grand Avenue improvements.
- Ongoing development of the Ames Municipal Energy Center.
Residents were encouraged to continue following upcoming City Council meetings and reviewing council action forms for future updates.
Meeting Takeaways
- The city is taking additional time to study data center development questions before making future decisions.
- Traffic improvements at 13th Street and Grand Avenue are moving forward through property agreements and planning work.
- The Ames Municipal Energy Center represents a major investment in the city’s future energy infrastructure.
- Several significant projects discussed during the meeting will continue through future council discussions and updates.
