Johnson: Data center outrage reveals, again, the tale of two Birminghams

This is an opinion column

There has always been a tale of two Birminghams. Long before I arrived here 12 years ago, the city was divided—and that remains true today.

On one side, there is the Birmingham of promise and industrial legacy, a place defined by opportunity, jobs, and generational prosperity. On the other, there is the Birmingham scarred by the shadows of Jim Crow, Bull Connor, and systemic exclusion. This is the Birmingham that has historically been left behind by political powers and industry, fighting for basic dignity—from reliable infrastructure to safe streets.

A Pattern of Outrage

The current divide is starkly illustrated by how different residents engage with city governance. We saw it when the Birmingham Water Works was pilfered by outsiders, an event that saw the marginalized Birmingham take to the streets in protest. Meanwhile, the city's more privileged circles stayed silent.

Yet, those same voices recently stormed City Hall, fueled by rage over a new ordinance aimed at regulating the rise of data centers. While these massive, power-hungry facilities are essential to modern technology, they raise valid questions regarding water and power consumption. The city council, having initiated a six-month moratorium in March to research these impacts, responded by implementing 20 new regulatory specifications.

The Cost of Inaction

While the new regulations may not be perfect, they represent a necessary step toward managing growth. Unfortunately, the pushback from the privileged side of town mirrors the same spirit that killed a $10 million MLB-funded youth baseball academy seven years ago. Because residents feared the encroachment on their beloved park, the city lost the project, and MLB eventually took its millions elsewhere.

Following a 6-3 vote to approve the data center ordinance, the current council and administration are facing intense criticism. However, doing what is best for the entire city requires navigating this friction. We must continue to push for progress, keeping our focus on the goal of eventually becoming one Birmingham.