Reunión del Consejo de la Ciudad de Salem - 3 de agosto de 2026

Special meeting of the Salem City Council, identified in the meeting title as August 3, 2026, focused on proposed artificial-intelligence data centers and whether Salem’s land-use rules address their potential effects on water, electricity, wastewater, transportation, and the environment. City staff explained that the existing code dates from 2014 for this type of use, outlined state-law and public-hearing requirements, and discussed options for a temporary moratorium and amendments to the land-use code. Council action was to initiate the process for a moratorium on AI data centers and adopt Resolution 2026-36 to begin reviewing the Salem code; the discussion clarified that this action begins a process and does not itself impose a moratorium. Staff would develop supporting findings and proposed amendments, with public notice and hearings required. No contract award or procurement approval was identified.

Public testimony was sharply divided. Many residents urged a pause, citing water scarcity, environmental and neighborhood impacts, and concerns about a confidentiality agreement associated with the Verus proposal; some called for stronger public disclosure and requirements that developers pay for needed infrastructure. Labor and construction representatives opposed a broad moratorium, citing potential construction jobs, apprenticeships, private investment, and tax revenue, and argued that projects should be reviewed individually. One speaker cited a claimed $1.5 billion private investment and annual city revenue figures, but these were public comments rather than council-approved budget or funding amounts. The council also discussed possible future changes to data-center zoning and development standards, which could affect future project applicants.