City of Woodburn

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News Release

The City Of Woodburn Launches A Comprehensive Review Of Development Regulations And Infrastructure Needs Pending Potential Data Center Development Applications - 08/11/26

WOODBURN, OR. — Woodburn City Manager Scott Derickson recently informed the City Council about the retention of Thomas Consulting Group, an independent technical advisory firm, to conduct a comprehensive review of the City's existing ordinances, policies, long-term planning framework, utility infrastructure, and environmental regulations. The review will help the City identify whether changes are needed to ensure it is prepared to evaluate any future data center applications, ensuring that public concerns can be addressed and infrastructure protected. 

 

The City of Woodburn is aware that data center developer, Verrus, has evaluated industrial sites in and around Woodburn.  The City is taking proactive steps to ensure that any future consideration of data center development, should an application be submitted, is guided by clear regulations, sound information, and the community's priorities.  The City does not have any current data center applications under review.

 

“This work is about making sure the City is prepared and has the right tools and technical expertise available so the City can adequately protect the public interest should a data application be forthcoming,” said Derickson.  “Our goal is to have a clear and transparent process that reflects community priorities and gives decision-makers the information they need to make thoughtful, informed decisions.”

 

As part of its work, Thomas Consulting Group will evaluate areas that could affect future data center development, including land use and zoning, development standards, utility coordination, environmental regulations, noise requirements, and other municipal regulations. The firm will also identify opportunities to strengthen the City's planning framework and develop practical tools that elected officials and staff can use to evaluate future proposals. Thomas Consulting Group is not advocating for or against a particular project. Its role is to provide the City with an independent, technical assessment and help develop a regulatory framework that supports consistent, transparent, and informed decision-making.

 

“Most cities encounter large-scale data center development for the first time when a proposal is already on the table and the clock is running. Woodburn's City leaders decided not to wait and are asking the right questions before anyone files an application. That choice puts the city in a much stronger position. Thomas Consulting Group helps local leaders see the full picture, the costs, the tradeoffs, and the questions worth asking, so decisions rest on clear information rather than pressure or a deadline,” said Michelle Thomas, Founder & CEO of Thomas Consulting Group.

 

“This review is not an endorsement of any particular data center project.  As of today, no applications for review have been submitted. Instead, it is an opportunity to take a step back, evaluate the City's current regulations and infrastructure, and determine whether additional safeguards, standards, or planning tools are appropriate.”, said Derickson.

 

The City has also issued the required 45-day notice to the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) regarding its intent to consider implementing a moratorium on data center-related development. The notice was issued on July 31, 2026.  Under state law, a city must issue this notice at least 45 days before it can conduct a public hearing and take action on a potential moratorium. This notice initiated the legally required waiting period while the City evaluates whether a temporary pause is appropriate to allow time for technical review and related policy discussions.

 

The City recognizes that residents have questions and concerns about how potential data center development could affect the community, including infrastructure, utilities, land use, noise, environmental resources, and long-term growth. The City's current work is intended to address those questions with reliable information and a clear regulatory framework before future applications are considered.

 

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The City Of Woodburn Launches A Comprehensive Review Of Development Regulations And Infrastructure Needs Pending Potential Data Center Development Applications - 08/11/26

WOODBURN, OR. — Woodburn City Manager Scott Derickson recently informed the City Council about the retention of Thomas Consulting Group, an independent technical advisory firm, to conduct a comprehensive review of the City's existing ordinances, policies, long-term planning framework, utility infrastructure, and environmental regulations. The review will help the City identify whether changes are needed to ensure it is prepared to evaluate any future data center applications, ensuring that public concerns can be addressed and infrastructure protected. 

 

The City of Woodburn is aware that data center developer, Verrus, has evaluated industrial sites in and around Woodburn.  The City is taking proactive steps to ensure that any future consideration of data center development, should an application be submitted, is guided by clear regulations, sound information, and the community's priorities.  The City does not have any current data center applications under review.

 

“This work is about making sure the City is prepared and has the right tools and technical expertise available so the City can adequately protect the public interest should a data application be forthcoming,” said Derickson.  “Our goal is to have a clear and transparent process that reflects community priorities and gives decision-makers the information they need to make thoughtful, informed decisions.”

 

As part of its work, Thomas Consulting Group will evaluate areas that could affect future data center development, including land use and zoning, development standards, utility coordination, environmental regulations, noise requirements, and other municipal regulations. The firm will also identify opportunities to strengthen the City's planning framework and develop practical tools that elected officials and staff can use to evaluate future proposals. Thomas Consulting Group is not advocating for or against a particular project. Its role is to provide the City with an independent, technical assessment and help develop a regulatory framework that supports consistent, transparent, and informed decision-making.

 

“Most cities encounter large-scale data center development for the first time when a proposal is already on the table and the clock is running. Woodburn's City leaders decided not to wait and are asking the right questions before anyone files an application. That choice puts the city in a much stronger position. Thomas Consulting Group helps local leaders see the full picture, the costs, the tradeoffs, and the questions worth asking, so decisions rest on clear information rather than pressure or a deadline,” said Michelle Thomas, Founder & CEO of Thomas Consulting Group.

 

“This review is not an endorsement of any particular data center project.  As of today, no applications for review have been submitted. Instead, it is an opportunity to take a step back, evaluate the City's current regulations and infrastructure, and determine whether additional safeguards, standards, or planning tools are appropriate.”, said Derickson.

 

The City has also issued the required 45-day notice to the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) regarding its intent to consider implementing a moratorium on data center-related development. The notice was issued on July 31, 2026.  Under state law, a city must issue this notice at least 45 days before it can conduct a public hearing and take action on a potential moratorium. This notice initiated the legally required waiting period while the City evaluates whether a temporary pause is appropriate to allow time for technical review and related policy discussions.

 

The City recognizes that residents have questions and concerns about how potential data center development could affect the community, including infrastructure, utilities, land use, noise, environmental resources, and long-term growth. The City's current work is intended to address those questions with reliable information and a clear regulatory framework before future applications are considered.

 

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