Jackson Temporarily Bans Data Centers
The Jackson City Council has enacted a 183-day moratorium on data center development within the city. The temporary ban aims to provide time for city leaders to establish new guidelines and ordinances for data centers. The decision faced opposition from some council members who emphasized the city's financial shortfall and the potential revenue data centers could bring.
The Jackson City Council has voted to implement a temporary 183-day ban on data center construction and development within the city. This decision means that for the next six months, the city will not accept, process, or approve applications for permits or other zoning changes related to data centers.
The ban was enacted to allow city leaders time to develop a new ordinance that will establish comprehensive guidelines for data centers. The vote was 5-2, with Councilman Kenneth Stokes supporting the ban, citing the importance of respecting the will of the people and council members who oppose data centers. Conversely, Councilman Ashby Foote voted against the ban, highlighting Jackson's $23 million budget shortfall and arguing that data centers could provide millions in revenue for the city, county, and school systems. He believes data centers represent a valuable economic development opportunity.
Notably, the temporary ban includes an exemption for land owned by the City of Jackson located near the Jackson Medgar Evers International Airport, where data centers could still be established during this period.