Loudoun Defers Its Data Center Pause Resolution to Nov. 17 so Staff Can Gather More Information; the Only Board Action So Far Is the September Vote to Consider One

Loudoun County posted a notice on October 20, 2026 (publication date) that the Board of Supervisors would not take up the agenda item, “Resolution to Pause Board of Supervisors Consideration of Legislative Applications for Data Centers and Substations,” at that day’s business meeting. The item moves to the Board’s November 17 meeting so staff can more information. Residents who had signed up to speak on the item could still do so on October 20.

What the Board has actually done so far is the September 15, 2026 (meeting date) vote, 7-1-1, to move toward a pause of up to 12 months on Board action on data center and substation applications that need legislative approval. The county’s own release describes that vote as approving “future consideration of a resolution that, if approved, would pause” such action; Supervisor Briskman’s office, in a statement dated September 16, 2026, said the pause “takes effect immediately” and that staff would return October 20 with a formal resolution. The accounts differ on whether a pause was in force between September 15 and the formal resolution. The same statement records a separate 7-1-1 vote adding an exception for “grid reliability” substations, and says at least 17 grandfathered land use cases (more than 11 million square feet) are not touched by the pause because they proceed by right through administrative review.

The pause is a deferral of legislative votes, not a moratorium: the county says its attorney advised that a moratorium on data center approvals is not legal. The county’s Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance amendment project, which the pause is meant to cover, is expected to finish in summer 2027.

Not verified: the signed text of any resolution, which does not exist yet, and the Board agenda packet or video for October 20.