Leesburg officials consider new data center guidelines

Data center development across Georgia is prompting local governments to reassess their policies. In Fulton County, commissioners approved a resolution to withhold tax incentives for companies building data centers, arguing that these "big tech" firms would still build in Georgia without such breaks. The resolution is non-binding, only asking development authorities to stop incentives. Concurrently, the City of Atlanta established a new citywide task force to determine the best ways to regulate data centers and provide recommendations to the mayor and City Council.

Leesburg, Georgia, is also actively addressing data center growth. Following a six-month moratorium enacted by the Leesburg City Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission is set to meet to vote on draft guidelines for future data center proposals and gather public comments. City Manager Bob Alexander clarified that this is the initial phase of a multi-step process, with the City Council ultimately deciding whether to approve the guidelines, seek more information, or table the discussion for a later meeting after public hearings. The Planning and Zoning Commission serves as a recommending body.