Jackson councilman wants to repeal data center moratorium
Jackson Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes plans to introduce an ordinance rescinding the city’s temporary moratorium on hyperscale data centers. The proposal has not yet been scheduled for a vote, while the existing 183-day moratorium continues to block data center-related permits and zoning applications in most of the city.
Jackson Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes is expected to introduce an ordinance ending the city’s temporary moratorium on hyperscale data centers. The measure appears on the Jackson City Council’s agenda under the introduction of ordinances, but it may not receive a vote unless council members suspend procedural rules.
The council approved the moratorium on a 5-2 vote in July, barring the city from accepting or processing special-use permits, conditional-use permits, zoning amendments, building permits and other zoning changes for hyperscale data centers. The ban was initially expected to last 183 days, potentially through Feb. 12, 2027, but City Attorney and Interim Chief Administrative Officer Drew Martin said its effective period could extend because the ordinance was not promptly published.