The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
City of Helena
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Slightly Anti-Data Center Policies
Helena city has enacted a six-month pause on most new data-center development, with two already-planned projects allowed to proceed; it does not permanently ban existing centers.
Rating from Alabama statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of Helena.
current law · City of HelenaHelena Ordinance 1043-2026, as amended, suspends covered new applications for 180 days from its effective date, including applications authorizing new or expanded data centers and specified automotive, fuel and industrial uses.City of Helena six-month data-center moratorium ordinance (2026)
What this means
The measure would pause most new data-center development, making it substantially harder to build new projects, while allowing two already-planned projects to proceed under the amended moratorium. The sources describe a pause, not a permanent ban on existing centers operating.
Timing
- Ends
- 180 days from the effective date; exact effective and expiration dates unverified
Covered applications shall be suspended for 180 days from the effective date. The amendment shall not alter the effective date or extend expiration. No exact expiration date inferred.
People behind it
- Brooke Dodson
Council president; voted yes on the amendment.
- Dennis Wilson
Council member; moved to approve the amendment.
- Andy Healy
Council member; seconded the motion.
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- Cathy Hammann
Council member; voted against the amendment.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements3
Suspends acceptance, review and action upon new applications for building permits, site plans, business licenses and other approvals authorizing new or expanded data centers and other covered uses, including actions creating vested rights, for 180 days subject to stated exceptions and geographic limits.
During the suspension, no covered new activities are permitted within 500 feet from the centerline of Highways 17, 52 (excluding shared roadway with Highway 261), 58, and 95.
Defines a data center as a facility or structure primarily housing electronic equipment used to process, store, and transmit digital information.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
The amended suspension excludes specified prior zoning applications, related business-license applications, and zoning-board-of-adjustment actions received on or before the effective date. This is a general grandfathering exception, not a data-center incentive; no specific data-center project exemption was verified.
Sources
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