Aaron Sampson Backs Fulton Action on Data Center Tax Breaks, Outlines Sweeping Plan

District 4 candidate calls for stronger transparency, neighborhood protections and a new framework that ensures Fulton taxpayers benefit

ATLANTA — Fulton County Commission District 4 candidate Aaron Sampson today announced his support for the Board of Commissioners' resolution opposing local development authority tax breaks for data centers. 

“I am fully behind the Board of Commissioners on removing any tax incentives for data center growth,” said Sampson. “This is an important first step in tackling a challenge that residents care deeply about.”

Sampson went on to say that he believes Fulton should now build upon this action by establishing a comprehensive framework for evaluating future data center proposals.

"We shouldn't be making these decisions one project at a time without a consistent set of standards," Sampson said. "Residents, developers and taxpayers should all know the rules before a project arrives."

As part of his policy platform, Sampson is proposing:

A Data Center Economic Impact Scorecard. Before Fulton supports a major project or local incentive, residents should be able to see its projected capital investment, permanent jobs, wages, tax revenue, requested incentives, infrastructure requirements and resource demands in one publicly accessible analysis.

Stronger neighborhood protections. Sampson supports evaluating data-center-specific land-use standards, including appropriate locations, residential setbacks, buffers, noise protections and standards governing backup generators and mechanical equipment.

Water and infrastructure transparency. Major projects should disclose anticipated water and wastewater demand, cooling technology, peak usage and infrastructure requirements before receiving county approvals.

A "growth pays for growth" approach. Fulton should examine whether its existing impact-fee and development policies adequately account for the infrastructure demands of hyperscale developments. Because project-specific infrastructure costs should not be shifted onto homeowners and taxpayers.

Greater scrutiny of tax incentives. Sampson said the county should begin with a presumption against local data center tax abatements and require clear evidence of a substantial return to taxpayers before supporting an exception.

"We use economic development incentives because sometimes they are what it takes to bring jobs and investment to our community," Sampson said. "But an incentive only works if it actually changes the investment decision. If a multibillion-dollar company was already going to build here, giving away tax revenue isn't economic development. It's just giving away money."

Sampson also pointed to controversies surrounding large data center proposals elsewhere in metro Atlanta as evidence that local governments should establish clear policies before projects reach the rezoning or incentive stage.

"Data centers don’t belong everywhere in Fulton County," Sampson said. "Good planning means identifying appropriate locations, protecting established neighborhoods and giving residents clear information about a project's impacts before decisions are made."

Sampson said his approach is intended to strike a balance between embracing the economic opportunities created by Georgia's technology sector and protecting the long-term interests of Fulton County residents.

"This doesn't need to become a choice between economic development and protecting our communities," Sampson said. "Set clear rules. Protect neighborhoods. Understand the impact on our infrastructure and resources. Make sure taxpayers get a fair return. And then welcome the projects that make sense for Fulton County."

Sampson's data center proposal is part of a broader policy platform focused on modernizing county government, protecting taxpayers and ensuring Fulton County's growth translates into tangible benefits for its residents.

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