A proposal for an 800-unit man camp to house 5,600 workers near Cheyenne has ignited local debate.

Iron Guard Housing, through Palma Land Planning, filed to build the camp on unincorporated land adjacent to the Meta data center site. This development aims to accommodate laborers for major projects including Meta, Project Jade, and Cowboy Solar, reflecting a structural response to a rapid influx of construction workers in the region.

The plan envisions modular housing units, each containing seven sleeping units of about 116 square feet, phased from 30 units to a total of 800, plus 150 RV spaces. The camp would be fenced, controlled by credentialed access, and alcohol-free. County officials and neighbors express concern over potential crime, infrastructure strain, and community impact. Laramie County Planning Director Justin Arnold supports consolidation of workers to mitigate dispersed housing pressures, while Cheyenne Planning Director Charles W. Bloom notes the confusing unit count that totals over 5,750 beds with the RV park. Written comments are due by May 4, with hearings scheduled for May 14 and June 2.

While Montana is not directly involved, this situation could resonate with Montana communities facing similar construction booms. The need for rapid, centralized worker housing might appeal to areas balancing workforce demands with infrastructure capacity and local concerns about social effects. Montana’s rural landscape and housing market conditions could influence how developers and officials approach comparable proposals.

Massive 5,600-Worker Man Camp Proposed For Cheyenne’s South Side

By Cowboy State Daily

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Microsoft will triple its data center footprint in Cheyenne, Wyoming with a 3,200-acre land purchase.