Clackamas County commissioners talk data centers

Clackamas County commissioners held a discussion regarding the potential for data center development within the county, despite not having received any formal applications. The proactive conversation aimed to prepare for future proposals, addressing public concerns often associated with such facilities and ensuring the county is not caught off guard.

Key discussion points included land availability, with commissioners noting that data centers vary in size and can be retrofitted into existing structures, citing examples in downtown Portland. The impact of enterprise zones, which offer tax breaks for economic growth, was also a topic. However, a state bill in Salem has currently paused tax breaks for data centers until the legislature reconvenes next year.

Water usage emerged as another significant concern. One commissioner expressed a desire to protect the county's nursery industry and its water needs. In response, the county's director of development highlighted a resource safeguard mechanism: a preliminary statement of feasibility from water providers is required for any major development, ensuring capacity issues are identified early.

Currently, the county code does not differentiate data centers from any other industrial customers. Commissioners are considering changes to these rules but are awaiting legislative action from Salem. In the interim, they requested to be notified of any data center applications received by the county to thoroughly evaluate next steps.