The Bernalillo County Commission is set to tackle a landmark proposal to regulate data center incentives and a final vote on a revision of the county’s ethics code on Jan. 13.
Commissioner Eric Olivas said he will introduce a resolution establishing strict criteria for data center projects that seek taxpayer-funded incentives.
“If we are to offer Bernalillo County taxpayer-funded development incentives to data centers, those facilities must have a substantial net benefit to our community,” Olivas told City Desk ABQ.
Under the proposed guidelines, projects would be required to guarantee 90% in-state construction hiring and 95% in-state permanent hiring. Additionally, all permanent positions must pay at least $75,000 annually or 160% of the area’s median salary, whichever is higher.
The resolution also targets environmental sustainability. It mandates that facilities be powered by 100% renewable energy and requires that all water usage for cooling or power generation be offset through conservation efforts or efficiency improvements within the impacted watershed.
“Managing the use of AI will be one of the greatest challenges of our time,” Olivas said.
While the technology is promising for fields like medicine, Olivas said, it also poses risks to community resources.
Beyond technology, the commission is scheduled to take final action on a major rewrite of the Bernalillo County Code of Conduct Ordinance. The ethics reform, sponsored by Olivas, aims to increase transparency by requiring more financial disclosure from elected officials and providing clearer guidance on when officials must recuse themselves from votes due to conflicts of interest. It also establishes an independent board to make salary recommendations for elected officials.
The commission will also conduct its annual election for a new chair and vice chair for the 2026 calendar year. Other items on the agenda include a presentation on the Metropolitan Detention Center and a proclamation honoring the University of New Mexico football team.
While the ethics reform faces a final vote Tuesday, the data center resolution is only for introduction; final action on that measure is not expected until at least Jan. 28. Residents may provide public comment in person or via Zoom.