Greensboro residents urge longer data center moratorium at public hearing
Greensboro residents packed a city council meeting to advocate for a significantly longer moratorium on data center development, with some calling for a full ban. The public hearing addressed a proposed 120-day moratorium, but many speakers urged for a 32-month pause instead.
Greensboro, N.C. residents turned out in large numbers at a special public hearing of the Greensboro City Council on Monday, August 17, 2026, to discuss a proposed 120-day moratorium on data center developments exceeding 10 megawatts. Many impassioned speakers urged the Council to implement a significantly longer moratorium, with some advocating for a 32-month pause or even a complete ban on data centers within the city. Residents held up "32" signs to emphasize their request for an extended moratorium.
Speakers such as Del Ward called for an outright ban, while Brigette Rasberry specifically supported increasing the moratorium to 32 months. Other residents including Mark Cummings, Kass B. James, George Hartzman, Bill Menius, and Ashley Virginia also addressed the City Council, including members Cecile "CC" Crawford, Adam Marshall, April Parker, and Hugh Holston. City Attorney Lora Cobbage was also in attendance.