Draft Data Center Ordinance Public Meeting

This public meeting held by the Augusta, Georgia government on August 10, 2026, focused on discussing a proposed data center ordinance intended to regulate future data center developments within the jurisdiction. The ordinance aims to establish zoning classifications, primarily restricting data centers to heavy industrial areas, and introduces a special exception approval process involving public notifications, planning commission review, and Augusta Commission approval. Key procurement-related topics included environmental and operational standards such as noise limits, water usage with a preference for closed loop cooling systems, emergency preparedness, and long-term site restoration requirements. The meeting also addressed community concerns about health impacts, property values, job creation, and transparency, with commitments to incorporate public feedback into the final ordinance. While no specific contracts or vendor selections were discussed, the ordinance sets a regulatory framework that will affect future data center projects and related procurement activities in Augusta.