SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The city of South Bend is laying out a framework for potential data center projects.

During a press conference, Mayor James Mueller announced what he called a "neighborhood first" framework. The plan includes multiple tenants that city officials say will benefit the community, while also welcoming potential data center projects. Among them are the following:

• Companies would have to "pay their own way." Per officials, this would include no subsidies provided by the city.
• NDAs with local officials would not be allowed.
• Data center companies would have to report natural resources. They would also be asked to protect wastewater, reduce environmental impacts, and support the city's sustainability goals.
• Considerations would need to be made for location. The city says it is also looking to tighten its noise ordinance to avoid potential problems.

Officials say that data center companies would also need to enter a community labor agreement, which would ensure jobs created by data centers would go to those in the city.

Mayor Mueller also said that any revenue data centers would generate for the city would go to initiatives such as infrastructure, housing, and utility relief.

Officials say this framework would apply to data centers over 15 acres.

The proposal can be viewed here. The city will accept feedback until Oct. 31.