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Today’s newsletter is 921 words — a 3.5-minute read.

For years, Denver-based CoreSite operated largely under the radar, running two data centers — including one inside a historic downtown building — with little public scrutiny.

• Not anymore.

Why it matters: Fierce opposition to CoreSite's newest project in Elyria-Swansea has thrust the company into a broader fight over the future of data centers in Denver.

State of play: In May, the city imposed a one-year moratorium on new data center applications, sparing CoreSite's newest facility.

• Mayor Johnston has since floated an outright ban as the city explores new regulations.

What they're saying: "I just think it's a lack of education, a lack of understanding of the different types of data centers that exist," CoreSite spokesperson Megan Ruszkowski tells us.

• The company's working to become a more transparent "responsible builder," Ruszkowski adds.
• It's also participating in mediation with the GES Coalition, a local advocacy group, on a good neighbor agreement aimed at limiting environmental and neighborhood impact.

Zoom in: CoreSite's newest facility, known as DE3, opened this month and powers everything from video chat to AI applications, CoreSite central region general manager Yvonne Ng tells us.

• The company insists DE3 isn't an AI data center, though it'll support AI inferencing — the process of using trained models to generate outputs, such as personalized recommendations.
• They're aware of the optics. "I think people see [other] AI data centers as a manifestation of AI," Ruszkowski says.

By the numbers: CoreSite's executives say the facility:

• Has a maximum capacity of 24 megawatts, though it's expected to peak around 18 megawatts.
• Could use up to 95 million gallons of water annually at full capacity but will more likely consume about 115,000 gallons daily, or about 42 million gallons annually.
• Will generate an estimated $200 million in tax revenue over 20 years and create about 20 on-site jobs.

The other side

Colorado's top Democrats hit the road this month for a six-day statewide bus tour to rally supporters … with one noticeable absence: Gov. Polis.

Why it matters: The once-popular governor — who cruised to reelection in 2022 with 59% of the vote — has seen his stock slip over his embrace of Republican-backed policies and priorities.

State of play: Polis remains banned from official state Democratic Party events, five months after party leaders censured him for granting clemency to election denier Tina Peters.

• He doubled down on "60 Minutes" this Sunday.

What he's saying: "This was a nonviolent, elderly, first-time offender who got a longer sentence than she should've. Straightforward case," he reiterated.

The big picture: The rift predates the Peters controversy. Polis has repeatedly broken with fellow Democrats on high-profile issues:

• He cheered Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
• He opted into a Trump-backed school choice program.
• He pushed for state cooperation with ICE involving sensitive immigration-related documents.
• He opposed a union-backed effort to change Colorado's labor organizing law.

By the numbers: An April poll of likely voters put his approval rating at 44%, with 48% viewing him unfavorably.

Keep reading

Colorado Springs is making a play for the proposed U.S. Space Academy — just as U.S. Space Command prepares to relocate.

Why it matters: Landing the NASA-led school could give the Springs' aerospace industry a major boost, bringing new opportunities for universities, businesses and the region's workforce.

Driving the news: Gov. Polis and other state leaders announced Colorado Springs as their pick to host the academy.

• The pitch comes with plenty of unanswered questions, including where the campus would go, how much it would cost and who would foot the bill.

Yes, but: Colorado Springs faces competition from a familiar rival. Huntsville, Alabama, launched its bid Oct. 1.

The intrigue: U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper called it "duplicative, costly and unserious" in August, arguing the Air Force Academy already trains future Space Force leaders.

The other side: Polis is pitching Colorado's aerospace muscle — including more than 55,000 industry jobs — as a selling point.

Full story

🛒 Trader Joe's wants to open a location in Central Park near the Northfield Mall next year. (Denver7)

🗳️ Eligible inmates at the downtown detention center started casting ballots this week. Voting will be available at Denver County Jail starting today. (CBS Colorado)

🚍 Colorado awarded $50 million to the Federal Boulevard bus rapid transit project, with construction expected to begin next year. (Denverite)

"Iron Man" will descend on Denver this Halloween — minus the rocket-powered boots.

Why it matters: The beloved Marvel character is metro Denver's top-trending Halloween costume this year, according to Google.

• Tony Stark's comeback may have gotten a boost from last month's release of "Avengers: Endgame Encore."

How it works: Google compared local costume-related searches this September with the same month last year to identify the biggest spikes in interest.

The top five:

1. 🚀 "Iron Man"
2. 🏴‍☠️ Captain Clark (from "Backrooms")
3. 🏁 Ricky Bobby (from "Talladega Nights")
4. 👩🏻‍🦰 Daphne Blake (from "Scooby-Doo")
5. 🐈‍⬛ Black cat

🎟️ John is sharing this link to season tickets for the new UFL team in Colorado Springs, the brown-and-orange Colorado Stampede.

👋 Alayna is back at her desk after a sick day.

🎞️ Esteban is watching "The Invite" on Max.