Indianapolis adopts data center moratorium, pausing new developments through 2027
Indianapolis has officially adopted a moratorium on all new data center developments, pausing them through the end of 2027. The Metropolitan Development Commission unanimously approved this measure, which is supported by the City-County Council and Mayor Joe Hogsett. This pause allows the city time to consider stronger regulations and conduct an outside study on potential nationwide regulations for data centers.
The city of Indianapolis has enacted a moratorium on all new data center developments, effective through the end of 2027. This decision, unanimously approved by the Metropolitan Development Commission with a 6-0 vote, is supported by the City-County Council and Mayor Joe Hogsett.
Bryce Gustafson, a program organizer with Citizens Action Coalition, expressed relief, noting the moratorium was 18 months in the making. He emphasized that this is a "half-time" moment, with significant work remaining to establish robust guardrails for future data center projects. The moratorium is integrated into a new zoning ordinance that sets minimum standards for future developments, but its primary purpose is to provide the city with time to develop stronger regulations.
City-County Council has allocated funds for an external study on potential regulations, with Council Member Dan Boots indicating an extensive review, including a nationwide survey and expert consultations. However, Council Member Michael-Paul Hart was the lone dissenting voice, arguing that the moratorium effectively postpones decisions until a new City Council is in place, potentially leading to less educated councilors addressing the issue in 2028.