The measure requires voter approval for tax incentives to new data centers.
Voters in Port Washington, Wisconsin approved a referendum that restricts data centers in their jurisdiction, reports Torrie Herrington for NOTUS.
According to Herrington, "While the Port Washington referendum requires city leaders to get voter approval before awarding tax incentives to data center developers, it does not stop the $15 billion Vantage Data Centers project already under construction."
While Port Washington is not the first city to advance or pass legislation regulating data centers, it is the first to pass a voter-approved referendum. A proposed moratorium on new data centers is making its way through the U.S. Congress.
Read the full story: Wisconsin City Passes America’s First Anti-Data Center Referendum
Texas bars data centers from raising utility costs for residents
Gov. Abbott is calling on the state's utility regulator to take steps to reduce energy costs for consumers and ensure data center operators pay for any added costs.
Poll: 75% of Americans oppose data centers near their homes
As they proliferate across the country, data centers face growing backlash from communities concerned about their rapid growth and unknown impacts.
Poll: Low-income Americans resist data centers 5 times as often as high-earning counterparts
A new survey reveals differences between how Americans at various income levels perceive data centers.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
Chicago Avenue bridge construction delays enrages city leaders
The bridge has been closed since 2025. The city originally aimed to re-open it in December, and now expects to finish construction in 2027.
NYC bus network redesign speeds up Queens buses
Rush routes have seen a 4.6% speed increase after the redesign.
California High-Speed Rail Authority picks trainset manufacturer
The California High-Speed Rail Authority aims to start servicing passengers by 2033.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
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Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
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Montrose County
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