Salem Council Candidates Weigh Data Center Growth Amid Regional Projects
Five candidates running for Salem City Council seats are largely still forming opinions on the growth of data centers in the region, especially in light of nearby projects in Roanoke County and Botetourt County. While Salem has an ownership stake…
Norfolk Portsmouth Newport News, VA, October 21, 2026 —
Five candidates running for Salem City Council seats are still developing their views on data center growth in the region, as projects in nearby Roanoke County and Botetourt County prompt questions about the industry’s local effects.
The candidates’ positions range from calling for more research to placing greater emphasis on other forms of economic development. Concerns raised in the discussion include how data centers use resources and whether they create jobs for local residents.
Salem has an ownership stake in the Wood Haven project in Roanoke County, linking the city to at least one regional data center development. The trend summary does not specify the size or terms of that stake, the project’s status, or what role the city has in its development.
The information provided does not identify the five candidates or attribute particular views to individual contenders. It also does not detail the projects in Botetourt County, quantify potential resource use or employment, or describe any formal proposals or decisions before Salem City Council.
As a result, the candidates’ comments indicate a range of considerations rather than a settled shared position on data centers. Further details about their individual plans, the regional projects and the expected local effects were not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Samantha Verrelli on cardinalnews.org, see more information here.
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