The Salem City Council is scheduled to take up a major decision Thursday evening that could affect the future of large artificial intelligence data centers in the city.
Councilors will consider Resolution 2026-46, which would interpret Salem’s existing zoning regulations as excluding AI and hyperscale data centers from permitted land-use categories.
The decision is closely tied to a proposed data center campus from developer Verrus at Mill Creek Corporate Center in southeast Salem.
Supporters of blocking the project have raised concerns about the enormous electricity and water demands associated with large-scale AI computing facilities. Opponents of the proposed resolution, including business representatives and construction industry supporters, argue that changing the interpretation of existing zoning rules could create uncertainty for developers and employers.
The council closed public testimony earlier this week and postponed its decision to Thursday, November 12, allowing councilors additional time to review written comments.
A separate public hearing on proposed long-term regulations for data centers and large battery storage facilities is scheduled for November 23.
Thursday’s meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m.
