SPR News Today: Spokane bans data center construction for the next year
Spokane City Council has passed a yearlong moratorium on data center construction within city limits, effective immediately. The emergency ordinance passed with a six-to-one vote, with some councilmembers expressing concern about its impact on the city's aerospace tech hub. A public hearing on the issue is scheduled for July 22 to consider potential amendments.
The Spokane City Council has enacted a yearlong moratorium on new data center development within city limits. The emergency ordinance passed with a six-to-one vote, with Councilmember Michael Cathcart casting the sole dissenting vote due to concerns about the policy's potential impact on Spokane's growing aerospace tech hub. Cathcart expressed a desire for carve-outs to protect the tech sector, while Councilmember Zack Zappone, who introduced an amendment to clarify the policy, supported the moratorium, emphasizing the need to build an economy with high-skilled manufacturing jobs for local students.
The pause on data center development went into effect immediately. Councilmember Kate Telis highlighted that advocacy efforts should extend beyond the city level to county and state governments, as the issue is widespread. A public hearing is set for July 22, allowing the Council to introduce further amendments after additional research into the moratorium's broader effects.