Baltimore County Planning Department, Data Center Study, Interdepartmental Meeting, May 5, 2026

The Baltimore County Planning Department held an interdepartmental meeting on May 5, 2026, focused on data center development and its impacts. Presenters from the Maryland Coalition to Reform Data Centers and Prince George's County Planning Department discussed the significant energy demands, environmental concerns, and community impacts associated with data centers. Key procurement-related topics included the need for local policies on noise limits, water usage, air pollution controls, and electronic waste recycling. Prince George's County shared their comprehensive data center study, community engagement efforts, and policy recommendations such as zoning overlays, setbacks, and moratoriums to manage data center growth. The meeting highlighted the importance of transparent public processes, community benefits agreements, and planning for potential future repurposing of data center facilities. No specific contract awards or vendor selections were discussed, but the policy and planning insights could influence future procurement and development decisions related to data centers in Baltimore County.