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 Malden
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Malden has created a data-center zoning category and enacted a 12-month pause on permits to establish, build, or use property as a data center, delaying new development and expansion.
Rating from Massachusetts statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of Malden.
current law · City of MaldenCreates a data-center zoning category and bars permits for data center projects for 12 months while Malden studies their impacts and considers zoning rules.Malden proposed data-center zoning and one-year permit moratorium (2026)
What this means
The measure creates a data-center use category but also pauses permitting proposals to create, build, or use property as a data center for 12 months. That temporary moratorium would substantially delay new development and expansion, so the restrictions outweigh the benefit of defining the use.
Timing
- Ends
- Jun 16, 2027
The City Council ordained the zoning amendment on 2026-06-16; the minutes describe it as authorizing a 12-month moratorium.
People behind it
- Ari Taylor
Sponsor of the data-center moratorium order and the zoning amendment establishing data-center use regulations.
- Amanda Linehan
Co-sponsor of the data-center moratorium order.
- Karen Colon Hayes
Co-sponsor of the data-center moratorium order.
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- Peg Crowe
Co-sponsor of the data-center moratorium order.
- Carey McDonald
Co-sponsor of the data-center moratorium order.
- Ryan O'Malley
Co-sponsor of the data-center moratorium order.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
A one-year moratorium bars permitting proposals to create, construct, or use property as a data center, including issuance of zoning relief or building permits. It took effect upon the City Council’s May 5, 2026 adoption and expires one year later.
Sources
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