Hampton Roads taking steps to prepare for data centers – The Virginian-Pilot

City and county leaders in Hampton Roads are considering updates to their zoning laws in anticipation of potential data center developments.
Portsmouth and Hampton city managers suggested amendments to protect their localities while facilitating necessary developments.
The regional demand for data centers is rising due to the expansion of the artificial intelligence industry and the increased need for cloud computing and data storage.
Some localities are cautious due to land use and limited job creation, while others with more land are more open to housing these facilities.
There is a balance leaders must strike between accommodating data center development and considering environmental and community impacts.
There’s a growing acknowledgment among leaders of the importance of working collectively and understanding neighbors’ stances on data centers.
Discussions emphasize balancing what’s best for each community with what’s beneficial for the entire region.