Jackson County Considers 4-Month Moratorium on Data Centers

Proposed measure aims to address community concerns before approvals, but faces opposition from construction trades council.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:50pm

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A highly detailed, photorealistic studio photograph of a modern, sleek data server tower made of polished steel and glass, resting on a clean, monochromatic background and dramatically lit to symbolize the abstract corporate strategy and financial implications behind data center development.The proposed moratorium on data centers in Jackson County reflects the complex tensions between community interests and the economic benefits of this emerging industry.Kansas City Today

Jackson County leaders are considering a four-month moratorium on data center and battery energy storage system (BESS) facility applications. Republican Legislator Sean Smith proposed the idea, citing a need to address community concerns before final approvals. However, the Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council opposes the moratorium, arguing it would negatively impact jobs and union funds.

Why it matters

Data centers have been a contentious issue in the region, with a recent lawsuit over tax incentives for a facility in Independence. This proposed moratorium reflects ongoing tensions between community interests, economic development, and the impact of large-scale technology infrastructure projects.

The details

Smith proposed a 120-day moratorium that would not impact the Nebius data center project in Independence, which recently had a lawsuit challenging its tax incentives thrown out. The moratorium would apply to unincorporated areas of the county, and Smith said it's an opportunity to revise county codes and ensure public voices are heard. However, the Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council, which represents 17 unions, opposes the moratorium, arguing it would negatively impact jobs and union funds that rely on data center construction.

  • On April 4, 2026, Jackson County leaders discussed the proposed 4-month moratorium on data center and BESS facility applications.
  • In late March 2026, a judge threw out a lawsuit challenging tax incentives for the Nebius data center project in Independence.

The players

Sean Smith

A Republican Legislator in Jackson County who proposed the 4-month moratorium on data center and BESS facility applications.

Ralph Oropeza

The Business Manager of the Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council, which represents 17 unions and opposes the proposed moratorium.

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What they’re saying

“Our people need the work, continuously. These data centers bring a large amount of man and woman hours to our industry, so what that translates to is dollars going into our health and welfare funds, our pensions funds, our apprenticeship funds, things that keep us lucrative in going for the future.”

— Ralph Oropeza, Business Manager, Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council

“I'm trying to make sure that they're done in a responsible way with community input and community awareness, that the community's concerns are addressed.”

— Sean Smith, Republican Legislator, Jackson County

What’s next

The proposed moratorium ordinance was assigned to the Health and Environment Committee in Jackson County, but there is no word yet on when that committee will take up the matter.

The takeaway

This proposed moratorium highlights the ongoing tensions between economic development, community interests, and the impact of large technology infrastructure projects in the region. While the county legislator cites a need for more community input, the construction trades council argues the moratorium would negatively impact jobs and union funds.