Washington County Board of Commissioners PM Work Session 09/01/26 (Part 2)

The Washington County Board of Commissioners held a work session on September 1, 2026, focused primarily on land use regulations concerning data centers in unincorporated Washington County, Oregon. Staff presented detailed information about existing industrial and commercial land, zoning designations, and the potential for a moratorium on data center development. They clarified that no large-scale standalone data centers currently exist in the unincorporated areas and that the county's land use code does not explicitly allow data centers but provides a regulatory path for novel uses in certain industrial zones. The board discussed the moratorium process, including statutory requirements, timelines, and potential impacts on the county's planning work program. Commissioners expressed differing views, with some opposing a moratorium due to limited land availability and existing uses, while others emphasized public concern and the need for further study and community engagement. Ultimately, the board decided not to pursue a moratorium at this time but to move forward with a resolution reflecting community concerns and to continue gathering information, including a forthcoming FAQ and updates from the governor's data center advisory committee. The session concluded with a motion to adjourn to executive session for labor negotiations.