Protecting our Community, Preserving our Future
Source: https://coloradosprings.gov/news/colorado-springs-community-first-data-center-standards
We’re holding Project Taurus and other similar large projects accountable to these 6 standards that Mayor Yemi announced regarding Data Centers in Colorado Springs on August 14, 2026.
Please check out our series of posts fact-checking Project Taurus against each of these standards.
1. We Will Protect Ratepayers
Colorado Springs residents and businesses will not subsidize private development.
Any data center requiring major electric infrastructure must:
- Pay the full cost of new electric infrastructure needed to serve the project.
- Pay for the electrical capacity it reserves; even if it never uses it.
- Enter into long-term service agreements that protect existing customers from financial risk.
- Provide financial guarantees that ensure those commitments are honored.
Bottom line: Existing utility customers will not bear the financial burden of the development of privately funded data centers.
Learn more at csu.org/datacenters.
See Taurus Vs Data Center Standard #1: https://www.instagram.com/p/DcPlrwYluBG
2. We Will Protect Our Water
Colorado Springs’ water is one of our community’s most valuable resources.
Large water users must demonstrate that their needs can be met without compromising our long-term water supply or placing unnecessary strain on existing infrastructure.
Projects may be required to:
- Demonstrate water availability.
- Pay for necessary infrastructure improvements.
- Incorporate water-efficient technologies and conservation measures.
Bottom line: Data centers must never come at the expense of Colorado Springs’ water security.
Learn more at csu.org/datacenters.
See Taurus Vs Data Center Standard #2: https://www.instagram.com/p/DcUT6HYFp23
3. We Will Protect Our Neighborhoods
All large load user projects must be a good neighbor.
Projects will be expected to minimize impacts on surrounding neighborhoods through responsible design and operation, including:
- Noise mitigation
- Appropriate setbacks and buffers
- Landscaping and screening
- Responsible lighting
- High-quality site design
- Add to the tax base that funds city services such as safety, roads, parks, schools, and libraries.
When potential impacts are uncertain, particularly noise, the City may require independent technical studies before approval.
Approval is not simply permission to build. It is a commitment to operate responsibly and remain accountable throughout the life of the project.
Bottom line: Every data center project must respect the people and neighborhoods around it.
Learn more at coloradosprings.gov/retoolcos.
See Taurus Vs Data Center Standard #3: https://www.instagram.com/p/DcheHhslhYn
4. We Will Protect Our Community Standards
Every data center must meet Colorado Springs’ development standards.
Projects will be expected to comply with all applicable requirements related to:
- Site planning
- Landscaping
- Environmental protection
- Building design
- Public safety
- Community compatibility
No project should diminish the appearance, character, safety, or long-term vision of Colorado Springs.
Bottom line: Every data center project must enhance, not detract from, the community it joins.
Learn more at coloradosprings.gov/plancos.
See Taurus Vs Data Center Standard #4: stay tuned
5. We Will Welcome Community Contribution
Economic development is not measured simply by the size of an investment. Projects should create lasting value to Colorado Springs by expanding our tax base, investing and creating benefits that outweigh impacts on the community, and be active partners in our community. The City will carefully weigh both the opportunities and the potential costs.
Bottom line: We welcome projects that want to grow with Colorado Springs; not simply grow in Colorado Springs.
See Taurus Vs Data Center Standard #5: stay tuned
6. We Will Protect the Public’s Voice
Residents have a right to know what is being proposed, understand how it may affect them, and be heard before decisions are made on data centers.
The City will protect public participation through timely public notice, neighborhood meetings when required or appropriate, public hearings, and established review and appeal processes before the Planning Commission and City Council.
Community input must be considered while projects can still be shaped—not after key decisions have been made.
Bottom line: Residents will have a voice in projects that may affect their neighborhoods, resources, and quality of life.
See Taurus Vs Data Center Standard #6: stay tuned
Our Commitment
Economic development can bring meaningful opportunity to our city, but that opportunity will not come at the cost of our residents or the community they call home.
Data centers will be expected to pay their own way, protect our water and electric resources, respect surrounding neighborhoods, comply with community standards, and ensure the public participation process is protected.