Data Centers: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Introduction
In July 2026, the City of Albany hosted four town hall meetings to discuss data centers and hear the community's concerns. Our goal was to provide information and identify what to discuss if a data center were to come to Albany. This page shares what we heard and learned during this process.
PowerPoint
FAQs
Does Albany have land that is already zoned for manufacturing that could be used for a data center?
Yes, Albany has manufacturing land that could work for a data center. But even if the land is zoned for manufacturing, rules—like how far buildings must be set back and how much space must be left around them—could prevent some areas from being approved for a data center.
Will the data center bring more jobs to our area?
Yes, there will be about 400 temporary construction jobs and about 30 permanent jobs after the data center is active.
What incentives and tax breaks are the Economic Development Board and Payroll Development Authority offering to companies to bring them to the City?
Incentive packages vary by community and industry. Offers usually depend on how much a company plans to invest and how many jobs it will create. Because of this, the incentives can change based on the company’s investment and job creation.
Between the City of Albany and Dougherty County, who is responsible for deciding whether a data center is approved or not?
The final decision depends on where the proposed data center would be built. If the land is inside the city limits, the City of Albany makes the decision. If the land is outside the city limits but still in Dougherty County, Dougherty County decides whether to approve it.
Can citizens of the City and County vote on whether a data center can be built on a piece of property?
No, because this is a property rights issue. Citizens cannot vote on whether a data center can go on someone’s land. If a property owner wants to sell land that is already zoned correctly, the City and County cannot stop the sale. They can create rules and conditions to help ensure any project fits the community’s needs.
The Payroll Development Authority recently applied to rezone 358.2 acres on Oak Haven Drive and Pecan Grove. Should people be worried, and what development is planned for that area?
City officials are not aware of any specific plans for that property.
Why do we need a data center?
The community doesn’t need a data center, but it could help. The area has lost many people and big industries, which means the community now pays for more power than it uses. A data center, or any large business, could help fill that gap.
Has the City of Albany and Dougherty County leadership already determined that a data center will be in our community?
No, they have not determined that yet.
What provisions would be made if a data center were to be in our community?
The first step would be to deal with zoning or ordinance issues. Then a high-density study would be needed to see whether the community could support the project. If the project chose a location that uses Georgia Power or another electric company, the City would have no control over that.
How would the City and County make sure Albany and Dougherty County benefit economically from a data center both now and in the future?
In the short term, a data center could bring many construction jobs for about three to four years. In the long term, data centers usually do not create many permanent jobs—often only about 15 to 20.
Has anyone on the panel signed a non-disclosure agreement?
No, the City of Albany’s Commission has not signed a non-disclosure agreement.
Who can guarantee that utility rates will not go up because of a data center?
The utility staff, the Utility Board, and the Mayor and City Commissioners are responsible for protecting ratepayers. The City would not sign any contract unless the data center could fully pay for all costs it adds to the system. The City would not agree to a contract with the data centers that would raise rates for current customers.
What actionable steps can we take if we oppose data centers coming to our town?
Contact your state representatives and senators, and voice your concerns. The state has more power over this than your local government.
Is a regional impact study being done with surrounding counties?
Each local government, the counties and the cities, have their own approach of how they would do this.
What meaningful penalties can be levied against data centers that don't abide by the regulations?
The contract would include rules the data center must follow. They would need to maintain proper pretreatment before returning water to the sewer system, follow water-use limits, and comply with noise regulations. If they break these rules, the City could fine them and/or shut down the data center's operation.
In Wyoming, a fatal bacterium was traced to a data center. What protections can be put in place to prevent that here?
The City would require pretreatment of wastewater before discharging it to our treatment plants or removing it from the data center.
What size of Data center could locate here?
A 30mw to 40mw center would be Manageable for the City of Albany with our excess. However, if a data center lands in an area served by Georgia Power or an EMC, we don't have any determination of size that they can serve the data center.