The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors convened on July 29, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on the development of data centers in the region. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance design standards and sustainability measures for these facilities.

The discussion began with Supervisor Gourdy emphasizing the importance of improving the design of data centers. He noted that while the current proposal is a decent product, there is always room for enhancement. Gourdy referenced lessons learned from neighboring Loudoun County, suggesting that Prince William County has evolved in its approach to data center design. He expressed optimism that upcoming facilities would be more visually appealing and sustainable.

Supervisor Bailey echoed Gourdy's sentiments, acknowledging the challenges associated with "by right" development, which limits the Board's control over certain projects. He thanked the staff for their informative presentation and requested a future session to educate the community about the implications of "by right" decisions. Bailey also proposed a work session to review the current status of data centers in the county, including those already approved and those in the pipeline.

Despite some reservations about the proximity of the proposed data center to residential areas, Bailey indicated a willingness to support the project, citing Iron Mountain's reputation as a generally good neighbor. He expressed a desire for further discussions on the balance between development and community impact.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for ongoing dialogue regarding data center development, emphasizing the importance of design quality and community engagement in future projects. The Board plans to explore these topics further in upcoming sessions, aiming to foster a better understanding of the implications of data center growth in Prince William County.