n LOUDOUN
4 | n LEESBURG
8 | n PUBLIC SAFETY
16 | n PUBLIC NOTICES
Community-Supported News. Free to all.
VOL. 10, NO. 17
27
MARCH 6, 2025
Board Favors Grandfathering Data Center Resolution BY HANNA PAMPALONI
hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
After nearly a year of effort, the Board of Supervisors is poised to adopt sweeping changes to the way data center applications are reviewed. However, after a closed session legal briefing Tuesday night, a majority backed a plan to keep the current regulations in place for many of the 41 pending data center applications through a grandfathering resolution. Currently, there are areas in the county where data centers are allowed on a by-right basis. This means that if an application meets standards set forth in the Zoning Ordinance, it is subject only to staff-level review, referred to as an administrative application. Applications in areas where data centers require legislative action are reviewed by the staff and then sent to the Planning Commission for a public hearing and recommendation. The plans then advance to the Board of Supervisors, which also holds a public hearing before making a final determination. Last year, the board initiated plans to remove data centers as a by-right use anywhere in the county. During discussions in February, there was confusion among supervisors and DATA CENTER VOTE continues on page 22
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now
Board of Supervisors’ Vice Chair Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) and Supervisor Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) listen to residents speak about the fiscal year 2026 budget during a Feb. 27 public hearing.
Residents Cite Needs as Supervisors Dig into FY 2026 Budget BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
Supervisors have begun the process of reviewing the $4.7 billion budget packages proposed by County Administrator Tim Hemstreet—work that started with public hearings featuring speakers asking for more. Specifically, community members have
turned out to support $10 million for housing vouchers, free afterschool programs, greater financial support for local nonprofits, and an increase in supplemental support for attorneys working as public defenders.
extracurricular after-school programs free, an initiative included in the School Board’s budget. “As a working-class person who does not have the minimum wage we face rising rents every year, which limits our ability to cover basic needs and provide our
Members of New Virginia Majority have been leading the effort to make
2026 BUDGET continues on page 38
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