Statesboro provides timeline of data center discussions
Statesboro City Manager Charles Penny provided a timeline of data center discussions to city officials and attendees. This follows the recent approval of a zoning change that could enable a data center project. The city council had previously established guidelines, including the need for special use permits, size limits, and closed-loop water systems.
Statesboro City Manager Charles Penny presented a historical timeline of data center discussions to city staff, elected officials, and attendees during a city council meeting on Tuesday, September 1. This presentation came two weeks after Statesboro officials approved a zoning change, potentially paving the way for a data center project.
According to Penny, initial discussions regarding a data center began in June 2025. By January 2026, city staff and three council members visited data centers in Alpharetta and Social Circle for research. A significant step occurred in June when the council passed guidelines for any future data centers, which included requirements for a special use permit, size limitations, and the implementation of a closed-loop water system. The most recent development was the zoning recommendation approval in August.
City-provided figures suggest that a data center could generate nearly $18 million in additional net revenue for Statesboro. Officials, including Mayor Kolr, emphasized that any recommendations or approvals prioritize the community's quality of life. However, they also noted that no specific businesses have yet approached the city regarding a data center project.