Indy data center moratorium clears final hurdle
Indianapolis has enacted a moratorium, or temporary ban, on new data center projects until 2027. The Metropolitan Development Commission voted 6-0 to approve the measure, following a 23-1 vote by the City-County Council and support from Mayor Joe Hogsett. Three data center projects already approved by the city are not affected by the ban.
Indianapolis has formally enacted a temporary ban on new data center developments, set to last through 2027. The Metropolitan Development Commission delivered the final approval with a 6-0 vote on August 19, following a decisive 23-1 vote by the City-County Council on August 10.
Mayor Joe Hogsett had also expressed support for the measure, which will pause the approval of any new data center projects. The moratorium, however, explicitly excludes three data center projects that have already received prior city approval.
Councilor Michael-Paul Hart, a Republican, cast the sole dissenting vote in the City-County Council, voicing concerns that the moratorium might disadvantage future elected officials. Hart fears that by 2028, new councilors will lack the experience and knowledge to effectively negotiate with data center developers, potentially putting the city at a disadvantage.