Hillsboro City Council approves data center moratorium. Here’s what to know
The Hillsboro City Council has enacted a 120-day moratorium on new or expanded data center applications to evaluate their fit into long-term land use planning and consider updates to the city’s Community Development Code. Mayor Beach Pace stated the pause allows for thoughtful development of regulations balancing innovation, economic opportunity, and quality of life. The move follows public concerns about environmental impacts and is distinct from the State of Oregon's moratorium on data center tax incentives.
The Hillsboro City Council passed a 120-day moratorium on new or expanded data center applications on Monday, effective immediately. This pause allows city officials to assess how data centers align with Hillsboro's long-term land use plans and to consider updates to the city’s Community Development Code. Companies that submitted applications prior to the moratorium are permitted to proceed with development.
Mayor Beach Pace stated that the temporary moratorium provides an opportunity to develop regulations that balance innovation, economic opportunity, and community quality of life, responding to community questions and concerns. The council may extend the moratorium for an additional six months, with city staff tasked to study the economic and environmental impacts of data centers during this period. The moratorium follows weeks of public discussion, with community members raising environmental concerns.
Jen Little, Vice President of Public Affairs for Washington County’s Chamber of Commerce, spoke against the moratorium, citing concerns about job opportunities and Hillsboro’s economic future, advocating for established planning processes and stakeholder participation. Conversely, Councilor Cristian Salgado supported the moratorium to allow time for the city to structure its approach to the growing industry, while Councilor Olivia Alcaire urged for more extensive research into environmental and human health impacts, advocating for an extended moratorium and collaboration with environmental organizations.
Mayor Pace addressed concerns about the 24-hour notice given for Monday's meeting, explaining that the timing, on day 46 after notifying the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development, was deliberate to prevent a rush of new data center applications before the hearing could take place. Councilor Rob Harris reinforced this, noting the conscious decision to avoid publicizing the strategy to ensure the desired outcome.