There are at least 10 data center proposals in the pipeline in southeast Ohio.
Residents of rural Ohio communities are growing more concerned about the dizzying growth of data centers in their state. As Amanda Pirani explains in WOUB, “There are nine counties in southeast Ohio that have one or more data center proposals. In most cases, information about the potential developments is limited.”
Residents, some of whom are being offered a buyout to sell their homes to data center developers, worry about what their communities will look like and impacts on water and power supplies. Rural Ohio has historically eschewed zoning, but now some are wondering if new restrictions are necessary to rein in the changes. “Without the need for local approvals or permits, the companies behind data center developments may not feel the need to engage with or inform the community of their project.”
Some Ohio counties are passing moratoriums on data centers until they can establish zoning ordinances tailored to their needs.
FULL STORY: In Ohio’s rural areas, zoning is sometimes a four letter word. Data centers could change that.
Planning Trends for 2026: States and Cities Take Initiative, Passenger Rail Gains Steam, and the Costs of AI Revealed
With federal funding for everything from transportation projects to housing assistance under threat, city and state governments are poised to take a stronger role in building strong, resilient local economies and public services.
New York State pauses all new data center projects
An executive order from Gov. Hochul prohibits new data center permits until the state finalizes an environmental review of their impacts.
Jersey City bans stand-alone data centers
The city updated its land use ordinance to exclude data centers as an acceptable use in the industrial district.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project
Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.
Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project
The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.
Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
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Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association