Raleigh City Council Work Session - Tuesday, June 16, 2026

The City of Raleigh held a City Council Work Session on June 16, 2026, focusing primarily on the expansion and regulation of data centers within the city. Presentations covered the types of data centers, their energy and water consumption, and the environmental and community impacts associated with their operation. Staff discussed zoning regulations, noting that smaller edge data centers are permitted by right in all zoning districts, while larger data centers require a special use permit and are limited to industrial zones. The session also addressed utility considerations, including water reclamation and energy contracts, and highlighted ongoing efforts to develop water use standards and environmental protections. Council members expressed concerns about resource consumption, environmental impacts, and the need for clear standards and community input. The discussion included references to state legislation affecting data center siting and incentives, as well as the potential for moratoriums. No specific contract awards or procurement actions were reported, but the meeting emphasized regulatory and policy frameworks that could influence future data center development and related procurement activities in Raleigh.