City of Charlotte Data Centers Task Force Meeting - September 10, 2026

The City of Charlotte Data Centers Task Force convened on September 10, 2026, to discuss ongoing regulatory and legislative issues related to data center development. Key procurement-related topics included deliberations on extending the moratorium on data center approvals, reviewing legislative proposals such as Senate Bill 730 concerning cooling technology mandates and water use standards, and evaluating the role of economic development incentives. The task force debated whether to focus on recommendations within current legal limits or to push for aspirational policies that may require state legislative changes. They also discussed the need for legal review of proposed policies and the importance of coalition-building with other municipalities to advance data center regulations. Additionally, the group considered submitting comments to the North Carolina Utilities Commission regarding Duke Energy's large load tariff to ensure data center developers bear appropriate costs. The task force agreed on revising zoning district definitions to better regulate data center locations and emphasized transparency and community engagement. No formal votes were recorded, but consensus emerged around pursuing best practices and preparing a prioritized legislative agenda for city council consideration, contingent on moratorium extension. Plans were made to form subgroups for deeper policy analysis and to continue refining recommendations in future meetings.