DeKalb County Defers Vote on Data Center Ordinance, Considers Dedicated Revenue Fund

DeKalb County Defers Vote on Data Center Ordinance, Considers Dedicated Revenue Fund January 8, 2026 The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has deferred a vote on a proposed data center ordinance and a related financial proposal, signaling a cautious approach to managing the rapid growth of digital infrastructure and its fiscal benefits. The decision highlights the balancing act local governments face between harnessing the economic potential of data centers and addressing community concerns over zoning and environmental impact. During a meeting on November 20, 2025, Commissioners Mereda Davis Johnson, Nicole Massiah, Michelle Long Spears, Chakira Johnson, LaDena Bolton, and Ted Terry (who joined virtually) opted to postpone their decision. The deferred items included a new ordinance specifically governing data center developments and a separate proposal to create a dedicated fund for the significant tax revenue these facilities generate. While specific financial projections were not detailed in the deferral motion, the core proposal under consideration involves channeling a portion of future data center tax income into a specialized fund. This model, often referred to in policy discussions as an "AI Tech Dividend Fund," aims to ensure that the substantial revenue from these capital-intensive projects—which can involve investments ranging from hundreds of millions to billions of dollars—is allocated for long-term community benefit rather than being absorbed into the general budget. The move reflects a broader trend where municipalities are crafting more sophisticated fiscal and regulatory frameworks for data centers. By creating a dedicated revenue stream, DeKalb County seeks to directly link the industry's growth to investments in public infrastructure, environmental justice initiatives, or other strategic community priorities. The deferral allows for further review of the ordinance's zoning regulations and the proposed fund's governance structure, indicating the county's intent to establish a comprehensive and sustainable policy for a sector that is becoming a critical component of both the local and national economy. Source: decaturish