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.
Jackson County
Neutral Data Center Policies
Jackson County’s enacted measure requires a 180-day review but says it is not meant to restrict development; applications continue under existing rules during the review.
current law · County measureEstablishes a 180-day Data Center Evaluation Period beginning August 17, 2026, for legislative fact-finding and policy evaluation concerning large-scale and hyperscale data centers (Resolution No.Jackson County Resolution No. 28-08-2026 (2026)
What this means
This measure creates a 180-day review, but it says it is not intended to restrict development. During the review, the county must keep processing applications under existing rules, so it does not meaningfully change the ability to build or operate data centers.
People behind it
- Jackson County Board of Supervisors
Adopted Resolution No. 28-08-2026 establishing the 180-day Data Center Evaluation Period.
- Supervisor William Laurent
Proposed the amendment adding the Industrial Development Committee to the entities reviewing data-center impacts.
- Supervisor Sarah Peloquin
Seconded the amendment adding the Industrial Development Committee to the review.
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- Supervisor Garth Rolbiecki
Moved adoption of the Data Center Evaluation resolution.
- Supervisor John Higgins
Seconded the motion to adopt the Data Center Evaluation resolution.
- Zoning and Land Information Committee
Assigned to review land-use compatibility, zoning regulations, and potential ordinance amendments.
- Forestry, Parks and Land Conservation Committee
Assigned to evaluate impacts on groundwater, surface waters, agricultural lands, and environmental resources.
- Highway Committee
Assigned to evaluate transportation and roadway impacts.
- County Administrator
Assigned, with the Zoning Department and Corporation Counsel, to coordinate research and determine whether technical studies are advisable.
- Zoning Department
Assigned, with the County Administrator and Corporation Counsel, to coordinate research and determine whether technical studies are advisable.
- Corporation Counsel
Assigned, with the County Administrator and Zoning Department, to coordinate research and determine whether technical studies are advisable.
- County staff
Assigned to review actions by other Wisconsin jurisdictions and continue processing applications under existing ordinances and applicable law.
- Ken Pearson
Identified as County staff who would participate in reviewing other jurisdictions’ data-center actions.
- Industrial Development Committee
Added to the entities responsible for reviewing matters and providing recommendations during the evaluation period.
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The 180-day evaluation is expressly limited to legislative fact-finding and policy evaluation and is not intended to regulate land use or restrict development.
During the evaluation period, the County must continue processing data-center applications under existing ordinances and applicable law; the resolution does not create a moratorium or prohibit submitting, accepting, or processing otherwise authorized applications.
Sources
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