# City of Salem Special Session - September 21, 2026

The Salem City Council held a special session and public hearing on September 21, 2026, regarding a temporary moratorium on data centers. Staff said the city’s existing rules do not adequately address water consumption, low-frequency noise, heat discharge, or cumulative effects. The city has begun code amendments, expected to come before council before the end of the year, and staff described the moratorium as necessary to allow time to develop those protections. The city attorney said applications submitted before the moratorium must still be processed, though construction and development may be prohibited during the moratorium.

After public testimony and council deliberation, the council adopted the resolution establishing the moratorium; the vote was unanimous among members present. It is set to expire January 19, 2027, and state law allows one extension, which council members said they may consider. Most speakers supported the moratorium, with some urging a longer pause or statewide action; testimony cited concerns about water, energy use, public health, environmental effects, and the potential economic costs and benefits. No contract awards, vendor selections, or other procurement spending actions were identified.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 21, 2026

### Sources
- [City of Salem Special Session - September 21, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZhHvKJVbPQ) - Capital Community Media