Two Cities Take Opposite Paths on Data Center Regulation

Municipal governments in Indiana and North Carolina took diverging approaches to data center regulation this week. The Elizabeth City Council unanimously approved an 18-month moratorium on data center applications on October 13, 2026. The freeze allows the city to refine its Unified Development Ordinance and explore public utility agreements to ensure private developers, rather than ratepayers, fund infrastructure. City officials denied rumors of pending projects, noting that current power and water limitations make such facilities unlikely.

In contrast, the Fort Wayne City Council voted Tuesday night to reject two proposals aimed at regulating data center development. One proposal for a one-year moratorium failed in a 4-4 tie, and a second proposal to create a regulatory task force was defeated 3-5. Councilwoman Rohli Booker argued the pause was necessary to evaluate infrastructure impacts, but opponents cited concerns that broad definitions could hinder other businesses. Some electrical workers' union members also opposed the measure due to potential job losses.

While Elizabeth City's decision follows a similar six-month moratorium in neighboring Perquimans County, Fort Wayne's vote comes amid resident complaints regarding noise and lighting at an existing Google project. Neither the rejected proposals in Fort Wayne nor the new moratorium in Elizabeth City would affect existing projects already under development.