The Timeline
The proposed $1.6 billion
The Menomonie data center project was halted by the mayor in September 2025 following resident opposition, with the city council passing restrictive zoning on January 5, 2026. Key steps included a secret February 2024 NDA, 2025 land annexation, and a late-2025 outcry over potential energy and environmental impacts.
Timeline of Events for Menomonie Data Center Proposal
- February 2024: The Menomonie City Administrator signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with the developer, Balloonist, LLC, acting for a “tech giant”.
- Early-to-Mid 2025: The City Council moved to annex and rezone approximately 320 acres of farmland for the project.
- Late September 2025: The $1.6 billion project was put on hold by the mayor after significant community concern regarding potential energy and environmental impacts.
- October 10, 2025: Local residents formed an organized opposition, with efforts aimed at preventing the development.
- January 5, 2026: The Menomonie City Council passed a new ordinance creating a specific definition for data centers to restrict their placement, effectively stopping the project.
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