government
San Marcos becomes the first Texas city to ban data centers, testing its local control
By By Katlyn Ma The Texas Tribune at Waco Tribune-Herald
· June 30, 2026
· 1 min read
San Marcos has become the first Texas city to ban data centers within city limits, banking on its local authority to stop the data center boom and setting a precedent for other municipalities to follow.
Why this matters in The Waco
The move by San Marcos to ban data centers within its city limits may have implications for Waco 's own approach to managing growth and development. As Waco continues to attract new businesses and industries, the city may face similar decisions about balancing economic development with community concerns. The San Marcos ban could embolden local residents and officials in Waco to reexamine the city's own policies and regulations regarding data centers and other large-scale developments. McLennan County's own experiences with rapid growth and urbanization may also inform the discussion, as city leaders weigh the benefits of new investment against potential drawbacks such as increased traffic, strain on local resources, and environmental impacts. Waco's city government may soon be faced with deciding whether to follow San Marcos' lead or forge its own path in regulating data centers and other large developments.
About this story
Original reporting by Waco Tribune-Herald . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Waco Tribune-Herald . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: Waco Tribune-Herald ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? San Marcos has become the first Texas city to ban data centers within city limits, banking on its local authority to stop the data center boom and setting a precedent for other municipalities to follow.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by Waco Tribune-Herald and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by By Katlyn Ma The Texas Tribune at Waco Tribune-Herald. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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