SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane County Commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday to extend a pause on data center construction, pushing the deadline from December 15, 2026, to June 1, 2027.
The decision came after a contentious public meeting where residents and college students gathered outside the county building to oppose data center development in the region. Students from local colleges walked out of afternoon classes to attend the meeting and voice their concerns.
Opponents of data center construction argued that extending the pause is insufficient and demanded county officials implement an official moratorium instead. They contend that a moratorium would provide stronger protections and more time to develop comprehensive zoning ordinances.
“This is not going to stop them. We need better language, we need stricter requirements and we need a moratorium,” said Spencer, a Spokane resident.
Another attendee, Zenthia P., echoed the call for stronger action. “We need a strong airtight moratorium that’s going to give us proper time to work an ordinance,” she said.
Some residents highlighted potential consequences they believe data center expansion could bring to the community. Violet, a Spokane resident, expressed concerns about environmental and economic impacts.
“The residents of Spokane will face harmful health defects and an exploitation of our natural resources at no benefit to the local economy,” Violet said.
County officials responded to the moratorium requests by explaining that the pause on construction carries the same legal restrictions as a moratorium. According to the commissioners, the only substantive difference between the two approaches is terminology.
The original pause on data center construction was set to expire on December 15, 2026—less than two months away. The extension to June 1, 2027, provides an additional six months for county officials and the community to address concerns and develop policy around data center development.
The discussion around data center development will continue next week when the West Plains Water Coalition holds a public meeting with the county’s planning director. The meeting will focus on potential zoning considerations for a new data center and is scheduled for Monday from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Airway Heights.
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