Planning Committee Meeting on Data Center Ordinance and Economic Development – July 6, 2026

On July 6, 2026, the Jackson Planning Committee met to discuss a draft data center ordinance, the planning process, and economic development opportunities. The meeting, chaired by Councilman Foote, included presentations from City Attorney Drew Martin, Planning Director Angela Brown, and Hinds County Economic Development Authority Executive Director Hunter Gardner. Council members expressed concerns about the timing and transparency of the ordinance process, the need for expert scientific review, and the potential impacts of data centers on Jackson's neighborhoods. The meeting served as an informational session ahead of a public hearing on a proposed moratorium on data centers scheduled later that evening.

Discussion Items

• Draft Ordinance Review (City Attorney Drew Martin)

  • Martin presented a draft ordinance (version 3, internal iteration 27) that would define data centers, data center-related facilities, and power restrictions; allow data centers by use permit in C-3 and I-1 zones and as permitted use in I-2 zones; and establish site plan review requirements. Key provisions prohibit temporary generator use unless permanent power is installed and meet emission standards; require proof of adequate water systems and traffic impact studies; and give the city council final approval authority over site plans. Martin emphasized the ordinance is a work in progress, not ready for introduction, and is intended to give the city a regulatory framework to prevent issues like those in South Haven. He noted that without such an ordinance, the city would have limited control over data center development.
  • Councilwoman Clay questioned why the committee was discussing an ordinance when the scheduled public hearing was about a moratorium, arguing the process felt rushed and inappropriate. She stated the meeting was a "waste of time" because the ordinance was not final and the public had not been properly informed.
  • Councilman Foote supported the meeting as educational, stating it would help the council make well-informed decisions. Councilman Grizzell requested a color-coded draft to show which council members' input was included, and noted some of his suggestions were not reflected.
  • Martin acknowledged that the ordinance does not yet incorporate all public comments from previous hearings but that efforts are being made. He stated that a final version could be ready within 30 days if the council chooses to proceed.

• Planning Process Overview (Planning Director Angela Brown)

  • Brown explained the zoning and site plan review process: any new business must go through zoning, then site plan review by a committee including planning, public works, Jackson Water, and fire departments. The planning board, with representatives from each ward, holds public hearings and makes recommendations to the city council. Brown noted that Jackson’s zoning ordinance is outdated and lacks definitions for data centers, and the city does not have in-house expertise for noise and environmental reviews. She recommended hiring a third-party specialist or contracting out such services.
  • Councilman Hartley asked about the largest development the city has recently permitted; Brown replied that there have been no major industrial projects in recent years. Councilwoman Clay criticized the planning department for not actively recruiting new industry, stating she had seen "zero" development in 22 months. Brown agreed the city needs to focus on economic development.

• Economic Development Presentation (Hunter Gardner, Hinds County EDA)

  • Gardner described his role and the recent Amazon data center project in Clinton: a $1 billion retrofit of an existing building in the Clinton Industrial Park, expected to generate $3 million annually for the city of Clinton, $3 million for the county, and $6 million for schools in tax revenue (fee-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements), with payments tripling after 10 years. The data center uses air cooling (no water for servers) and meets sound standards. Gardner emphasized that power availability is the most critical factor, and that Jackson has not yet had a utility study confirming sufficient power for a data center.
  • In response to council questions, Gardner said companies prioritize speed, risk, and money; a moratorium could signal that Jackson is not business-friendly. He stated that the city needs a long-term economic development strategy and that his organization is willing to collaborate. Councilwoman Clay pressed for a meeting to focus on non-data-center opportunities, such as advanced manufacturing or grocery stores, particularly in Northwest Jackson. Gardner agreed to follow up and mentioned a grocery store prospect looking at South Jackson.
  • Councilman Parkinson asked whether a moratorium would kill potential projects given high demand; Gardner said both could be true but that a moratorium creates perception hurdles. He cited examples of companies leaving New Jersey due to regulatory delays. Councilwoman Clay argued that the council should not be "fear-mongered" into approving data centers without proper safeguards and that a six-month delay would not change the investment climate.
  • Councilman Hartley raised concerns about the suitability of a large tract of land (owned by Sam) for alternative uses like a power plant, and Gardner noted that advanced manufacturing and food/beverage projects are also being considered in the region. He emphasized that the city needs a 20-year plan and that current projects require significant upfront work.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken; the meeting was informational.
• The draft ordinance remains a work in progress; City Attorney Martin will continue to incorporate council and public input, and a final version could be ready in approximately 30 days if the council proceeds.
• Councilwoman Clay and others insisted on transparency, requesting that the ordinance be clearly marked as a "draft" and that the process not bypass the public hearing on the moratorium scheduled later that evening.
• It was agreed that the city needs to contract with environmental and engineering experts to help evaluate data center applications and site plans.
• Councilman Grizzell requested a color-coded version of the draft showing which council members' suggestions were included.
• Hunter Gardner committed to following up with the council to discuss a broader economic development strategy, including potential projects beyond data centers. He will provide a list of Hinds County EDA board members and schedule a deeper dive meeting.
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:54 p.m., with a public hearing on the proposed moratorium scheduled to begin in 26 minutes (6:20 p.m.).