See details on the latest council resolution regarding data centers in Jackson
The Jackson City Council has voted to task the mayor's office with exploring potential data center locations within the city. This decision comes amidst a temporary ban on new data center development, which is set to officially go into effect this Thursday. Council members are divided on the issue, with some seeing data centers as a source of much-needed revenue, while others express concerns about potential negative impacts.
The Jackson City Council recently voted 5-2 to assign the mayor's office the task of exploring potential locations for data centers within the capital city. Councilman Kenneth Stokes, who supported the resolution, emphasized the city's need for revenue, suggesting that data center projects could help fund services like hiring more police officers and paving streets. He, along with Mayor John Horne, believes data centers could be built in suitable areas without impacting residential neighborhoods, provided they are safe and environmentally sound.
However, not all council members were in agreement. Two members voted against the resolution, arguing that data centers could potentially do more harm than good. This vote comes shortly before a temporary ban on new data center development, which the city council voted on roughly a month ago, is set to officially go into effect this Thursday.