Board backs county support for local data-center moratoria as U-M closes on Textile site

The Washtenaw County Board on March 18 approved a resolution expressing formal support for local municipalities that enact moratoria on new data-center construction and committed the county Resiliency Office to lead collaboration between the county and local units of government.

Commissioner Justin Hodge, who introduced the resolution, said the action followed extensive public concern and town-hall discussions after the University of Michigan closed on the Textile site earlier in the day. During public comment, residents raised safety, surveillance and neighborhood impacts; Commissioner Hodge said the board's resolution aims to "support local municipalities for enacting data center moratoriums and commit the Washtenaw County Resiliency Office for leading collaboration with local units of government."

Commissioners amended the resolution to add Dexter Township, Pittsfield Township and the City of Saline to the list of localities noted for taking moratoria and then approved the measure by roll call.

Why it matters: The resolution formalizes county support for local pause measures while county staff coordinate technical review and engagement; the action does not by itself ban construction but signals an intergovernmental response as the University of Michigan explores sites.

What comes next: The Resiliency Office will lead coordination with municipalities considering or enacting moratoria; individual municipalities retain land-use authority and may use moratoria to evaluate zoning, environmental risks, and infrastructure and safety implications before permitting decisions.