Residents of Monterey Park, California, successfully mobilised against a proposed datacentre that threatened to disrupt their community and environment. Following extensive grassroots efforts, local leaders declared a temporary moratorium on the project, signalling a significant victory for residents who voiced their concerns.
Grassroots Action Sparks Change
In December, city officials unveiled plans for an enormous datacentre, equivalent to the size of four football fields, prompting immediate pushback from local residents. A small group of five activists, recognising the potential negative impacts of this facility, launched a campaign to halt the construction. Their efforts quickly gained momentum, as they organised a series of community meetings, rallies, and door-to-door outreach.
The coalition, known as No Data Center Monterey Park, collaborated with the San Gabriel Valley Progressive Action group to amplify their message. They highlighted the potential consequences of the datacentre, which included increased pressure on the local power grid, elevated energy costs, and detrimental noise pollution. A concerted effort to reach the city’s diverse population resulted in a petition that garnered nearly 5,000 signatures, with materials distributed in English, Chinese, and Spanish.
A Collective Voice Prevails
On January 21, hundreds of residents gathered at city hall to express their opposition to the datacentre. Their united front proved effective; within just six weeks, city officials announced a 45-day suspension of the project, with discussions of a permanent ban underway. Steven Kung, a co-founder of the opposition group, likened the triumph to a climactic scene from an Oscar-winning movie, demonstrating the power of community organisation.
This local success story is part of a larger trend across the United States, where residents are increasingly resisting the proliferation of datacentres. Research from Data Center Watch indicates that local communities have delayed or cancelled approximately $98 billion worth of datacentre projects between March and June of 2025, as opposition groups have emerged in diverse settings, from suburban neighbourhoods to rural areas.
The Broader Movement Against Datacentres
The growing backlash against datacentres has united various groups with differing agendas. From environmentalists in Virginia to grassroots organisers in Indiana, the movement has seen an unlikely coalition form against what many perceive as unchecked corporate expansion. Miquel Vila, lead analyst at Data Center Watch, noted that the widespread dissatisfaction with datacentre construction is evident across the political spectrum, with both conservative and progressive voices calling for regulation.
The economic and environmental ramifications of datacentres are significant. These facilities are known to consume vast amounts of energy and water, contributing to rising utility costs for local residents. In a recent poll, a majority of voters expressed support for banning datacentre construction in their vicinity, demonstrating a shared concern for community welfare amidst the rise of artificial intelligence and other digital services.
Future of Monterey Park’s Datacentre Debate
In Monterey Park, the fight against the datacentre is far from over. While the city council has implemented a temporary hold on construction, discussions are underway to potentially place the decision on the November ballot. This approach would require residents to engage in a prolonged campaign to educate their neighbours about the implications of datacentres.
Community organiser Andrew Yip emphasised that the success of the campaign was rooted in residents’ ability to unite for a common cause, transcending individual differences. “This is about community members rising to the occasion to look out for one another,” he said.
As the conversation continues, No Data Center Monterey Park remains active in gathering support and raising awareness. “We won a victory, but there’s still a lot of work to do,” Kung stated, underscoring the ongoing nature of their efforts.
Why it Matters
The grassroots movement in Monterey Park exemplifies the growing trend of community activism against corporate projects that threaten local environments and economies. This victory not only highlights the power of collective action but also serves as a cautionary tale for policymakers and developers. As communities increasingly assert their voices, the future of datacentre development may hinge on a more collaborative approach that prioritises the needs of residents over corporate interests.
