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Treece says putting Washington County in the driver’s seat is critical to ensuring a long-term plan is in place that both protects and benefits county residents.

Hillsboro, OR – Washington County Commissioner Pam Treece announced she asked Chair Kathryn Harrington to create a Data Center Task Force that will be co-led by Commissioners Treece and Fai. Initial indications are that Chair Harrington will agree to the plan. 

“We have got to be in the driver’s seat on this and all critical infrastructure decisions. The state has already put a one-year pause for data centers in enterprise zones, and the Governor has convened an advisory committee to inform legislative action in the 2027 session. Our county task force will make sure we are including our residents and local businesses in crafting our local and state policies,” said Treece.   

Commissioner Treece made the following statement today:

I was pleased to see Commissioner Fai state publicly her interest in forming a Data Center Task Force. This is an area where she and I agree. We do need to have a robust and well-informed public conversation about the future of data centers locally. 

Whether we like it or not, these data infrastructure hubs are now a necessary part of almost everything we do, from our 911 systems and financial systems, to how we stay in touch with friends and families near and far. And this isn’t going to change anytime soon. 

But let’s remember, every time there is a leap in technology, we have to make adjustments and put safeguards and guardrails in place to be sure the interests of our residents are not only represented, but get top priority. 

I have asked Chair Harrington to form a task force that Commissioner Fai and I will co- lead. This will ensure that our next Chair can continue this work past the November election. 

I look forward to working on this with community leaders, environmental and industry experts, and more, to make sure we find the right balance for Washington County. 

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BACKGROUND
The Oregon Legislature acted in March 2026 to put a one-year-pause on data center eligibility for enterprise zone tax breaks. In January 2026, Governor Kotek convened the Oregon Data Center Advisory Committee tasked with submitting a report to guide any needed statewide legislative action in 2027. She said at the time: “Oregonians have made their concerns about rising utility bills clear. As our state faces rapid growth of data facilities, we must have frank conversations about the challenges and opportunities ahead,” Governor Kotek said. “I expect the Data Center Advisory Committee to help ensure economic growth while protecting affordable power and Oregon’s critical water resources.”