Packed Dubuque County Forum Pushes Candidates on Data Center Concerns

DUBUQUE, Iowa — An overflow crowd of Dubuque County residents pressed local political candidates Tuesday evening during a candidate forum focused on potential large-scale data center developments in the county. Organized by the grassroots group Data Center Accountability for the Citizens of Dubuque County, the event at Happy’s Place brought voters face-to-face with two candidates for county attorney and four candidates running for county supervisor. The forum follows public concern stemming from rumors of a proposed 400-acre data center in rural Dubuque County, with residents raising questions regarding groundwater protection, potential utility rate hikes, and the preservation of agricultural land. Candidates debated the county’s current 12-month moratorium on data center developments and discussed potential local ordinances to safeguard natural resources. Supervisor candidate Jason Davis advocated for a complete ban on data center construction within the county. Organizers said the strong turnout underscores community intent to maintain oversight on land use, water resources, and local infrastructure ahead of the upcoming election.