Memphis City Council votes down 18-month data center moratorium but adopts a substitute ordinance

Name: Memphis City Council votes down 18-month data center moratorium but adopts a substitute ordinance
Uploaded: 2026-10-21T19:45:57.000Z
Duration: 30 s
Description: The Memphis City Council rejected a proposed 18-month moratorium on new data center development approvals. Instead, it adopted a substitute ordinance establishing a temporary regulatory period of up to 135 days.

News Clip0:30ABC24 Memphis·Memphis, Shelby County, TN·10/21/2026

The Memphis City Council rejected a proposed 18-month moratorium on new data center development approvals. Instead, it adopted a substitute ordinance establishing a temporary regulatory period of up to 135 days.

moratoriumgovernment

Gov: Memphis City Council

After months of debate, amendments and a postponed final reading, the Memphis City Council voted against an 18-month moratorium on new data center development approvals in Memphis. The proposed moratorium had been the subject of ongoing controversy and discussion.

The council instead approved a substitute ordinance that will remain in effect for up to 135 days, providing a shorter temporary period for establishing or considering data center regulations.