Birmingham's city council approved a data center ordinance following a public hearing that extended several hours, with residents and industry representatives both addressing the council. The ordinance sets operational and siting requirements for data center facilities within city limits. WVTM reported that the hearing reflected deep divisions between economic development advocates and neighbors concerned about noise and infrastructure impacts. The vote makes Birmingham one of a growing number of mid-sized U.S. cities to formalize data center rules in 2026.