Why Tulsa is hitting pause on data centers

Why Tulsa is hitting pause on data centers

From Listen Frontier by The Frontier

April 6, 2026 · 29 min

About this episode

This episode discusses Tulsa's temporary moratorium on new data center development and its implications with city councilors.

Data centers are coming to Tulsa. Eventually. But that momentum has hit a pause. City leaders have unanimously approved a temporary moratorium on new data center development, stepping back amid growing concerns about what these massive projects could mean for Tulsa’s power grid, water supply and long-term growth. At the same time, data centers promise jobs, investment, infrastructure and a foothold in a rapidly expanding industry. But they also come with enormous demands. So where does Tulsa go from here? On this episode of Listen Frontier, we’re talking with Tulsa City Councilors Phil Lakin and Laura Bellis about why they supported the moratorium, what questions still need answers, and what it would take for them to feel comfortable moving forward with data center development in Tulsa. Tulsa District 4 City Councilor Laura Bellis Dylan: What does the moratorium actually do and what does it not stop? Laura Bellis: Project Anthem’s Phase One is still moving forward, and potentially Phase Two depending on future approvals. What the moratorium does is create a nine-month pause so our planning office can update how data centers are handled in our zoning code. Right now, our code…

People in this episode

Guests: Phil Lakin, Laura Bellis

Topics covered

  • data centers
  • Tulsa
  • moratorium
  • city planning

Keywords

  • power grid
  • water supply
  • long-term growth
  • jobs
  • investment

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Project Anthem

Places: Tulsa, the Cherokee Nation’s

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