Memphis data center moratorium paused, construction continues

News Clip3:23ABC24 Memphis·Memphis, Shelby County, TN·9/17/2026

The Memphis City Council delayed a vote on a proposed data center moratorium until October. Meanwhile, residents near the XAI data center in Whitehaven are experiencing traffic, noise, and dust due to ongoing construction, prompting complaints about daily headaches.

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Gov: Memphis City Council

The Memphis City Council has postponed the final vote on a proposed data center moratorium, rescheduling it for October. This decision comes as residents residing near the XAI data center in Whitehaven continue to face significant disruptions from ongoing construction activities.

Neighbors report increased traffic congestion, particularly from dump trucks, buses, and workers, making local commutes challenging. Concerns also include persistent noise and substantial dust and dirt generated by the construction. While the data center is expected to generate millions in tax revenue for Memphis, with a portion allocated for public purposes around the facilities, residents are primarily focused on the immediate quality-of-life impacts.