Jackson City Council approves data center moratorium

The Jackson City Council in Mississippi approved a 183-day moratorium on new data center developments after nearly three months of discussion. The measure passed with a 5-2 vote, meaning it will take effect in 30 days rather than immediately. During this period, the city will not accept, process, or approve applications for special use permits, zoning changes, or building permits for data centers.

Ward Four Councilman Brian Grizzell, who introduced the ordinance, praised the council's decision, citing similar measures passed in other cities. The primary goal of the moratorium is to allow the city sufficient time to draft a comprehensive ordinance to govern future data center developments.

However, the decision was not unanimous. Ward One Councilman Ashby Foote and Ward Five Councilman Vernon Hartley voted against the ban, expressing concerns about its potential impact on the city's $23 million budget shortfall. Foote argued that tax revenue from data centers could provide significant economic benefits. Ward Two Councilwoman Tina Clay countered, stating the city's budget issues stemmed from overspending, not a lack of data centers.

Ward Seven Councilman Kevin Parkinson supported the moratorium but successfully proposed an amendment to exempt approximately 1,100 acres of undeveloped land around the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport. This exemption aims to allow for potential economic development in that specific area without the risks associated with data centers in more populated zones. Parkinson's attempt to shorten the moratorium to 60 days, with an option for extension, was rejected. Councilman Hartley emphasized the need to develop a proper regulatory framework with expert consultation over simply implementing a ban, highlighting that Jackson is "not ready for a data center" without adequate protections.