Cheyenne, Wyoming – Plans to construct a temporary housing complex for up to 5,600 out-of-state workers in America's least populous state have ignited significant local opposition. Project developer Iron Guard Housing is proposing a "man camp" in Cheyenne to accommodate laborers building massive data centers, a development that has drawn strong reactions from residents. As stated in the tweet by The Wall Street Journal, "In America’s least populous state, neighbors are in an uproar over plans to build a small city to house thousands of out-of-state workers."
The proposed complex would be a substantial addition to the state capital, potentially larger than 84 of Wyoming's existing incorporated cities and towns. This influx of workers is primarily driven by the rapid expansion of tech firms like Meta and Microsoft, which are establishing numerous data centers in Wyoming due to its low taxes and abundant energy supply. Ten data centers are already operational, with five under construction and nine more announced.
Local residents, some of whom recall previous "man camps" from earlier labor booms, have voiced concerns about the potential social impact. One resident on a Cheyenne community Facebook page warned of "Men who are away from their families (assuming they have families) with no ties to this community." Stan Higgins, a 72-year-old retired civil-service technician, expressed heartbreak over the transformation of the prairie behind his home into a construction site, noting, "There’s no end of it in sight."
The controversy highlights a broader sentiment among some locals who fear their state is losing its character. "They’re trying to turn our beautiful state into Colorado/California," another community member cautioned on Facebook, adding, "If we don’t protect our Wyoming, we’ll have nowhere else to go! It will be over!" However, some argue that the "man camp" could boost the local economy.
Iron Guard Housing defends its plan, describing the modular units as "pristine, conveniently located and comfortable," offering amenities like security, dining, a gym, and pickleball courts. Justin Arnold, who leads the county’s development department, emphasized that the workers are coming regardless and that a centralized camp could prevent local residents from being priced out of housing. He also suggested it would be safer for law enforcement to monitor workers in one area rather than dispersed throughout communities. Despite a unanimous vote by the local planning commission to advance the proposal, it was later pulled from a meeting as officials seek alternative sites.
