The Little Rock Board of Directors failed to approve a proposed six-month moratorium on data center projects during its October 20 meeting.

The measure received a 4-4 vote, short of the six votes required to pass an ordinance.

It was the second unsuccessful attempt this year to impose a pause on data center development: an 18-month proposal had also failed in August.

Why a pause was proposed

Director Kathy Webb sponsored the measure to give the city additional time to consider rules covering water use, noise, emergency infrastructure, zoning and project monitoring.

The debate comes as Google has plans for a major data center at the Port of Little Rock.

Supporters argued that more time would allow the city to assess the potential impacts of large facilities.

Opponents raised concerns about overlapping regulatory requirements and possible legal exposure.

How directors voted

Webb was joined in support by directors B.J. Wyrick, Virgil Miller Jr. and Andrea Lewis.

Directors Lance Hines, Dean Kumpuris, Joan Adcock and Capi Peck voted against the measure, while Antwan Phillips abstained.

Little Rock Regional Chamber leader Jay Chesshir argued that several environmental and infrastructure concerns already fall under existing regulatory agencies and warned about litigation risks.

City Planning and Development Director Brad Jordan indicated his department could carry out added responsibilities, though the proposed timeframe would be challenging.

What happens next

The vote means the proposed six-month moratorium did not take effect.

It does not mean future data center proposals are exempt from applicable local, state or federal requirements.

The city had previously adopted data center regulations in June, and additional changes could still be considered.

For residents and businesses, the unresolved question is how Little Rock will balance economic development opportunities with neighborhood and infrastructure concerns.

This is a significant update to the earlier 501 Daily report that the proposed moratorium was headed to the city board.