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The Saginaw City Council approved a six-month moratorium on data center developments, voting unanimously on January 12. This action follows a December directive to staff to create regulations regarding data centers.

The moratorium is a preemptive measure, not prompted by any specific development plans. Councilwoman Carly Rose Hammond, who led the initiative, emphasized the importance of addressing community concerns about the potential impact of data centers.

City Manager Tim Morales highlighted worries about the effect on city infrastructure and services, particularly the municipal water system serving 170,000 customers. This decision reflects a growing debate over data center developments in various Michigan municipalities.