On October 20th, 2026, the Northfield City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 1098, “Approving Text Amendments Related to Use-Specific Standards for Data Processing Facilities in the Land Development Code,” in a 6–0 vote. (Mayor Zweifel was absent from both the council and planning meetings.) The ordinance changed the setback requirement for data centers from three-quarters of a mile, or about 3,000 feet, to just 200 feet.

Councilman Peter Dahlen, in a Facebook post on the “Concerned Citizens of Northfield Minnesota” group, expressed that “data centers have yet to be built.” His post centered on assuring Northfielders that this change was somehow not made in anticipation of a potential data center being constructed around Northfield. Dah.

Community Development Director Scott Wopata stated during a separate meeting that it was important to bring in all perspectives on the matter of data centers. Similarly, Councilwoman Kathleen Homes said it was important to “weigh our priorities.”

Many Northfielders, both online and at these meetings, have expressed discontent and anger at the City Council’s unilateral and often presumptuous methods of governance. One commenter in the Concerned Citizens Facebook group said:

“There is little communication or explanation from any Councilmember. They are aware what they do is unpopular with the people they are meant to represent, yet it happens anyways, without dialogue. Development is important, but it can’t happen unilaterally and without a say from the residents who will be most affected by that development.”

Many Northfield residents fear that a data center could lead to lower-quality water, higher electricity bills, and environmental damage.