Mayor Cherelle Parker signed an executive order on September 16, 2026 that creates a citywide task force charged with drafting guidelines for future data center projects in Philadelphia. The order brings together officials from the Planning and Development Department, the Sustainability Department, the Department of Public Health, the Water Department, and the Licenses and Inspections Department to establish guardrails that will shape how data centers are sited, built, and operated across the city.
The newly formed task force is expected to evaluate a range of factors, including energy use, water consumption, waste management, and public health implications. By involving multiple city agencies, the group aims to produce a coordinated set of standards that address the technical and environmental challenges associated with large‑scale computing facilities. The effort reflects the administration’s response to growing community concerns about the impact of data center developments on neighborhoods and municipal resources.
Local residents and advocacy groups have called for a moratorium on new data center projects, citing fears of increased utility strain and insufficient oversight. In forming the task force, Mayor Parker signaled that the city will not move forward with additional data center permits until clear, enforceable guidelines are in place. The executive order also directs the task force to consider best practices from other municipalities and to engage with stakeholders throughout the drafting process.
Philadelphia officials indicated that the task force will work on a timeline that aligns with upcoming planning cycles, aiming to present draft recommendations for city council review before the end of the year. The initiative represents a coordinated municipal response to public pressure, seeking to balance economic development opportunities with the need for sustainable infrastructure and community protection.