Raleigh City Council puts data center project on hold for six months
The Raleigh City Council voted 7-1 to impose a six-month moratorium on the planned annexation of land in southeast Raleigh designated for a data center. The pause, approved despite community advocates seeking a longer moratorium, is set to expire April 6, 2027.
Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell asked the city attorney to draft a six-month moratorium covering the planned annexation of southeast Raleigh property intended for a data center. The City Council approved the temporary pause on Oct. 6 by a 7-1 vote, with Councilwoman Christina Jones as the only dissenting member.
Community advocates had sought a 32-month moratorium, citing concerns that required further review. Cowell said the pause would allow the city to protect residents while preserving Raleigh’s reputation as a technology center. Under North Carolina’s temporary moratorium law, the measure is intended to provide time to assess development impacts and consider new regulations; it will expire April 6, 2027.