A significant step towards community engagement and oversight of data center projects was taken during the Prince George's County Council meeting on September 16, 2025. The council discussed the establishment of a task force aimed at addressing concerns surrounding data centers in the area, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and transparency.

Chair Burrows highlighted the task force's role in ensuring that community voices are heard, stating, "We wanted to preserve our task force... making a difference in the community." The task force is designed to pause any action on data center projects while they gather information and assess community impacts. This pause is crucial as the council seeks to understand the implications of these developments before moving forward.

The county executive has also issued an executive order to complement the council's efforts, which will help streamline the process and ensure that permits are handled appropriately. The council expressed appreciation for this collaboration, indicating a unified approach to addressing community concerns.

Council member Adam Stafford echoed the sentiments of her colleagues, thanking them for their responsiveness to constituents' worries. She emphasized the need for safeguards as new technology is introduced, reinforcing the task force's commitment to best practices.

Looking ahead, the council plans to introduce legislation within 180 days to implement recommendations from the task force, ensuring that the community's needs remain a priority. The collaborative spirit displayed during the meeting signals a proactive approach to managing the future of data centers in Prince George's County.