Sparks Gets Smart About Data Centers—Well, Most of It Does

City of Sparks City Council

Councilmember Dian VanderWell seems to be the adult in the room. While everyone else was dazzled by the promise of blinking server lights and “tech jobs,” VanderWell was the one who hit pause and asked the question no one else seemed to: what exactly are these massive data centers doing to our city’s resources, environment, and future?

The Sparks City Council just voted unanimously to explore new zoning rules for data centers—a responsible, proactive move led by VanderWell. As the Reno-Sparks region becomes the next big tech target, VanderWell called for a deep dive into how much energy and water these facilities consume, what happens when they’re eventually decommissioned, and whether they align with Nevada’s constitutional goal of 50% renewable energy by 2030. That’s called foresight, folks.

Sparks currently allows data centers in several zoning categories—industrial, office, and commercial.  Reno, in its usual “administrative interpretation” style, waved data centers through with limited public notice and discussion. VanderWell, meanwhile, is out here saying: maybe we should actually plan before we pave paradise and plug in the servers.

Then came Mayor Ed Lawson’s contribution to the discussion—proof that not every idea is a good idea, and not every comment needs to be made. After hearing VanderWell’s thoughtful proposal, Lawson jumped in to request a moratorium on data center development until staff could draft an ordinance. A dramatic flourish, sure—but unnecessary, impractical, and utterly detached from the actual planning process.

Let’s be honest: it takes months, even years, to get a data center proposal through the city’s approval pipeline. The idea that developers are suddenly going to flood Sparks City Hall with applications before staff can draft new zoning language is laughable. But hey, why let facts get in the way of a good political performance?

Some might say Lawson just wanted to sound relevant—especially with Councilmember Charlene Bybee running against him for mayor. And nothing says “leadership” like pretending you just invented the brakes while everyone else has already parked the car.

So while VanderWell is out there doing the actual work—digging into environmental impacts and long-term sustainability—Lawson is busy starring in his own episode of Planning Theater: Sparks Edition.

Way to go, Ed. Maybe next time, let the people who actually understand the process handle the grown-up table. At lease Lawson knew they were talking about data centers - Counclmember Donald Abbott looked so bored he might have been taking a quick open eye nap, but let's face facts folks Abbott is better at restaurant grand openings, or eating out in Sparks profiling a restaurant, all endeavors that while appreciated by the restaurant owners, has nothing to do with producing good city policy.