Memphis City Council meeting to temporarily pause data center development in the Mid-South
The Memphis City Council is holding its second vote on an ordinance to temporarily pause permits for new AI facilities and high-density computing centers in Memphis, Tennessee. If passed, it would still require a third vote to become law. The ordinance would not affect existing facilities like those operated by XAI.
The Memphis City Council is again meeting to discuss and potentially approve an ordinance that would temporarily halt permits for new AI facilities and high-density computing centers within Memphis, Tennessee. This marks the second time the council will vote on the measure, which requires three approvals to become law; the first vote on August 18th resulted in approval.
The proposed pause would specifically target new developments, leaving existing facilities, such as XAI's Colossus 1 and 2, unaffected. The temporary measure is intended to remain in effect until the city can establish permanent regulations for such developments in the Mid-South region.