Delishia Porterfield

The Nashville Metro Council will vote on three data center bills during its July 21, 2026 meeting, including a moratorium on new permits and zoning regulations. Amendments to the legislation, which received strong public support, may add requirements for notice, distance from schools, and restrictions on power generation. The council will also consider Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s bill using eminent domain to acquire a property near the Nashville Zoo for a data center project.

Mayor Freddie O’Connell reported raising $206,368 for his 2027 reelection campaign, leaving his campaign with $544,843 on hand. Potential challengers like Metro Councilmember Joy Styles, Lou Wilbanks, and others have not yet launched campaigns, with several prominent figures confirming they will not run. State Rep. Bob Freeman and others donated to O’Connell’s campaign, while Sam Davidson remains undecided about a mayoral bid.

DC Blox, a data center company, claimed to have had 'collaborative talks' with Nashville leaders about a proposed data center near the Nashville Zoo. Mayor Freddie O’Connell called these claims 'inaccurate, wishful thinking,' stating the company's statement was an attempt to address a PR issue ahead of city council votes on data center legislation. DC Blox outlined proposed solutions like sound level limits and emissions controls, but the mayor's office dismissed the company's assertions as disconnected from reality.