City of Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting 6.2.26

The City of Little Rock Board of Directors held a meeting on June 2, 2026, with significant focus on procurement and regulatory matters related to the development of data centers, particularly a proposed Google data center. The board approved several procurement contracts including purchases for the Little Rock Police Department, fleet services, ammunition, and housing development projects, with contract amounts ranging from approximately $61,499 to $586,800. A major agenda item was the discussion and adoption of an ordinance establishing clear standards for data center development within the city, which included zoning regulations, environmental considerations, and enforcement provisions. The ordinance was passed after three readings despite public calls for a moratorium to allow further study. Presentations from Google representatives and utility providers addressed community concerns about environmental impact, water and power usage, job creation, and regulatory oversight. Public comments reflected a mix of support and opposition, emphasizing transparency, environmental protection, and community involvement. The board acknowledged state law limitations on banning data centers outright and emphasized the ordinance as a regulatory framework to manage development responsibly. The meeting concluded with appointments to city commissions and a commitment to ongoing dialogue and potential ordinance amendments as the project progresses.