Resolution urges Portland to avoid NDAs in data center deals, notify council of inquiries
The Portland City Council has voted to pass a resolution urging city leaders to increase transparency in data center negotiations. The resolution asks the city administrator to avoid non-disclosure agreements and to notify the council of any inquiries from companies interested in building data centers. This action is seen as a first step, with future consideration for a moratorium on large-scale data centers, driven by concerns over rising electric bills tied to data center growth.
The Portland City Council has passed a resolution urging city leaders to bring transparency to data center negotiations and avoid non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Councilor Tiffany Koyama Lane spearheaded the effort, stating that the resolution is a crucial first step toward ensuring accountability without incurring any costs for the city.
The resolution specifically asks the city administrator to refrain from signing NDAs related to data center deals and to inform the council whenever a company expresses interest in developing a data center. While the resolution does not impose an immediate ban or moratorium on development, it sets a precedent for open communication with Portlanders regarding these projects.
Supporters of the resolution highlighted a significant 50% increase in local electric bills, which they attribute to the rapid growth of data centers in the state. The council indicated its intention to further explore the possibility of implementing a moratorium on large-scale data center developments in the future, signaling ongoing scrutiny of the industry's impact on the region.