Montgomery County Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission Joint Meeting 9-17-2026

The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission held a joint meeting on September 17, 2026, to discuss the potential inclusion of data centers as a defined land use in the county zoning ordinance. The meeting featured a detailed presentation by representatives from Hurt and Profit, covering the economic impacts, utility demands, environmental considerations, and zoning challenges associated with data centers. Key topics included the significant electricity and water usage of data centers, noise and air pollution concerns, and the potential tax revenue and job creation benefits. The discussion also addressed regulatory frameworks, local control over zoning and decommissioning, and the need for clear policy direction from the Board regarding whether to encourage or restrict data center development. No final decisions were made, but the Board sought input on concerns and guidance for future zoning amendments and regulatory approaches.