City of Akron Council Public Hearing - 7.27.2026

The Akron City Council held a special public hearing on July 27, 2026, to discuss and approve an ordinance amending the zoning code to define and regulate data centers within the city. The proposed text changes require data centers to obtain conditional use approval and submit detailed studies on electricity demand, water consumption, wastewater discharge, and noise levels to better evaluate potential impacts. Public testimony largely supported the ordinance, emphasizing concerns about environmental justice, water usage, noise pollution, and the impact of large-scale data centers on local infrastructure and communities. Speakers urged for stricter regulations, including caps on size and energy use, community benefit agreements, and transparency in contracts. One speaker opposed overly restrictive measures, highlighting the importance of technological progress and the need for balanced regulation. The council voted unanimously (11-0) to pass the ordinance, signaling a commitment to more deliberate oversight of data center development in Akron.