Ross W. Snare IV. (Photo courtesy of Ross Snare)
WOODBRIDGE, Va. — In a move that sent shockwaves through Prince William County's business community, longtime civic and business leader Ross Snare called for a “pause” on new data center development and announced his resignation from the Prince William Chamber of Commerce in remarks delivered during the Board of County Supervisors' Sept. 22 afternoon session.
Snare asked the Board to defer its vote on proposed countywide amendments to the Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District, to pause consideration of new data center applications, and to examine a lawful 12-month, countywide pause while officials conduct a transparent review.
“The proposal before the Board is not the rezoning of a single property,” Snare said in prepared remarks. “It is a countywide land-use decision that could shape our communities for generations.”
Snare argued that a staff proposal offering industry a 90-day window to file under existing rules amounts to delay dressed up as reform.
“Under the staff proposal, industry would have 90 more days to file under the old rules,” he said. “That is not closing the door. That is holding it open for three more months and calling it reform.”
He also pushed back on the argument that tax revenue from data centers justifies their rapid expansion across the county.
“Data centers may have a role in our economy, but economic development is not a blank check,” Snare said. “Tax revenue is not permission to industrialize neighborhoods, disregard legitimate concerns about power infrastructure and utility costs, or ignore the families who must live with the noise and other consequences.”
“Prince William County is a community, not an extension cord for the world's largest technology companies,” he added.
Snare disclosed that he resigned earlier this week from his leadership role with the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, where he previously served as chief operating officer.
“I remain grateful for that chapter, but I will not ask others to take a stand that I am not prepared to take myself,” Snare said.
He closed his remarks by urging supervisors to act before finalizing the overlay district changes.
“Defer the vote. Pause final action on new applications. Let the people back into the room,” Snare said. “It is time to do the right thing — not for an industry, a political party or the next election, but for the people and families we were supposed to serve.”
Snare emphasized in a written statement that his remarks reflect his personal views alone and do not represent the Prince William Chamber of Commerce or any other organization with which he is affiliated.
About Ross Snare
Ross W. Snare IV is a Northern Virginia business and community leader with experience in external affairs, government relations, economic development, public health and nonprofit leadership. He most recently served as associate chief of external affairs for a regional health system, leading government relations, community engagement and strategic partnerships. He previously served as chief operating officer of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, overseeing operations, advocacy and regional business relationships.
His civic leadership has included service with the Prince William Chamber, SPARK Education Foundation, Prince William County Parks and Recreation Commission and Manassas Regional Airport Commission. A Christopher Newport University graduate and Eagle Scout, Snare was named to Virginia Business' inaugural statewide Forty Under 40 class in 2025.