The Durham City Council responds to organized community pressure by advancing a 60-day moratorium on hyperscale data centers while signaling support for a longer pause. Council members outline concerns about environmental damage, strain on utilities, fiscal risks, and inequitable impacts on Durham’s poorest neighborhoods. 2mins
Original Meeting
Video Notes
Welcome to the City Council Meeting for May 4, 2026.
Agenda: https://www.durhamnc.gov/AgendaCenter/City-Council-4
How to participate: https://www.durhamnc.gov/1345
Contact the City Council: https://www.durhamnc.gov/1323
NOTE: Comments left on this livestream will not be read or entered into the meeting record.
Call to Order
Moment of Silent Meditation
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Ceremonial Item - Drinking Water Week Proclamation
Ceremonial Item - Taiwanese American Heritage Week Proclamation
Ceremonial Item - Firefighter Day 2026 Proclamation
Ceremonial Item - National Bike Month Proclamation
Announcements by Council
Priority Items by the City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk
Consent Agenda (items 1, 5, 8 -18 & 26)
General Business Agenda
2. Children's Wealth Building Resolution
3. Endangered Species Day Resolution
General Business Agenda - Public Hearings
4. Ordinance Imposing a Temporary Moratorium on Development Approvals for Data Centers, Cryptocurrency Mining, and Related High-Impact Data Processing Facilities within the City of Durham
19. Substantial Amendment to the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan
20. Public Hearing and Economic Development Incentive Agreement with AMAC Property's Inc.
21. Public Hearing and Economic Development Incentive Agreement with Coco Fro LLC
22. Consolidated Annexation – Enclave at Little Creek
23. Consolidated Annexation – 1735 Fletchers Chapel Road
24. Consolidated Annexation – Experience Reality Glenn West
25. Consolidated Annexation – 1418 South Miami
Supplemental Item
27. Revision to the 2026 City Council Meeting Schedule
Other Matters
Adjournment
No Action Agenda Items for Informational Purposes Only:
6. North Carolina State Term Contract – Tandem-Axle Dump Trucks for Environmental and Street Services [This item was approved during the April 23, 2026 Work Session.]
7. North Carolina State Term Contract – Tandem-Axle Dump Trucks for Water Management [This item was approved during the April 23, 2026 Work Session.]
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Council Member Nate Baker credited community advocacy for prompting action on hyperscale data centers, explained that the council would vote on a 60-day moratorium under the UDO while pursuing a longer-term pause, and outlined concerns about the facilities’ environmental, infrastructure, fiscal, and social justice impacts on Durham.