Kalamazoo Commissioners Review Data Center Permit Moratorium

The Kalamazoo City Commission is reviewing a report on imposing a moratorium on permits for new digital data centers. The proposal addresses the high electricity and water consumption required for cooling artificial intelligence infrastructure, a challenge currently facing multiple U.S. jurisdictions.

City officials are weighing the potential for job creation and property tax revenue against concerns over noise pollution and competition for limited local resources. Vice Mayor Drew Duncan has expressed support for a two-year extension of the permit freeze. City Attorney Aaron Leal clarified that such a moratorium serves as a delay rather than a permanent ban.

City Manager Malcolm Hankins described the move as an initial step toward developing new city policies. Commissioner Chris Praedel suggested the city also consider the impact of other digital technologies while reviewing actions taken by other communities. The commission is expected to provide staff with directions for a future moratorium proposal on August 10.