Austin City Council is preparing to take its first formal step toward establishing a new regulatory framework for data centers, as the rapid growth of artificial intelligence infrastructure pushes the issue higher on the policy agenda across Central Texas.

Council is scheduled to receive a staff briefing during its Tuesday, Aug. 25 work session before considering Item 61 at its regular meeting Thursday, Aug. 27.

The proposed resolution would initiate amendments to Austin's Land Development Code and other city regulations to create specific land uses, development standards, approval processes and operating requirements for data centers.

August 13, 2026 (Austin, Texas) // Delta Air Lines announced today it will launch Austin's first nonstop service to Paris next spring, delivering a route the city had formally targeted through a published incentive program that offers airlines waived landing fees and marketing support.

The wrong lobbyist can cost an organization time before the real work begins. Bingham Group Founder & CEO A.J. Bingham explains how to choose between a Texas state lobbyist and an Austin or Central Texas municipal lobbyist.