ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — The city of Albany has approved a temporary halt on all new data center development for the next 12 months.

Commissioners unanimously approved the moratorium Tuesday, July 28, giving city leaders time to establish regulations before any new projects can proceed. The moratorium includes an option to extend the pause for an additional six months if needed.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Albany commissioners weigh 6–18-month data center pause <<

Planning commission directed to draft ordinances

Commissioners directed the Albany Dougherty Planning Commission to begin drafting ordinances that would regulate where and how data centers could operate within the city.

The commission also approved hiring an outside consultant to research best practices and help develop those regulations.

Commission cites need for transparency, community protection

Commissioner Colette Jenkins pushed for the independent consultant, saying her primary goal is public transparency.

“Most people are really concerned about the city and the government, the fears that they can’t trust us,” Jenkins said. “I want to be certain that the community knew that we’re not doing this alone, and we want you to understand that we can be trusted, and we want to get the right information at the right time.”

Commissioners said they want to do everything possible to protect community interests as data centers expand across the country, noting that the technology is advancing rapidly.

Community members weigh in

For some residents, the moratorium and the decision to bring in outside expertise signal a meaningful shift.

“[Commissioners are] serious about looking at it. They’re serious about finding out what the impact might be on the environment and on the community, that they’re willing to spend the money to do that,” community member Terri Clark said.

Others said there is still work to be done. Community member Tom Gieryic said he wants local voices to have a direct role in any final decisions.

“I would like to see a referendum where the citizens vote whether or not a data center would ever come into the area—they get to say yes or no, we want it, yes or no, and that’s the final word,” Gieryic said. “That’s what our life is in 12 months.”

What comes next

The moratorium can be lifted as soon as the city officially adopts a new ordinance. The city manager said staff will begin searching for an independent consultant and will bring a proposal back to the commission for a vote.

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