In a groundbreaking move, residents of Monterey Park, California, have become the first community in the United States to vote in favour of a permanent ban on datacenters. The decision, made through a ballot initiative on 2 June 2026, reflects a significant shift in public sentiment against the encroachment of these facilities, which are often perceived as detrimental to local environments and communities. With preliminary results showing an overwhelming 86.3% of voters supporting the ban, local officials are heralding this as a decisive victory for residents’ voices.
A Community United Against Datacenters
The ballot measure achieved remarkable support, with the city council previously enacting an indefinite moratorium on datacenter construction in April due to rising concerns over a proposed facility by HMC StratCap, an investment firm. The planned datacenter would have spanned nearly 250,000 square feet, drawing fierce opposition from locals worried about environmental impacts, increased utility costs, and the proximity of such industrial sites to residential areas.
Councilmember Jose Sanchez, who has been a vocal opponent of the facility, stated, “This shows unequivocally that residents in Monterey Park do not want datacenters in their community. We hope that other communities will use the model set by residents here in Monterey Park as inspiration to stop datacenters from encroaching in their backyard.”
The engagement of the community was palpable, with grassroots efforts led by local organisations contributing significantly to the measure’s success. Amy J Wong, co-founder of San Gabriel Valley Progressive Action, noted that the city council was unusually receptive to residents’ concerns, stating, “They recognized so many residents are angry, and, if they move forward with the datacenter, they could possibly be voted out.”
A Shift in Local Governance
Monterey Park’s decision represents a broader trend across the United States, where municipalities are increasingly turning to ballot measures as a means of exerting control over datacenter developments. While some areas, such as Port Washington, Wisconsin, have also introduced measures requiring public approval for tax incentives for datacenter developers, Monterey Park stands out for its decisive and permanent ban.
The Data Center Coalition (DCC), which advocates for the expansion of these facilities, expressed concerns over the implications of the ban. Their director of state policy, Khara Boender, argued that this move could deter investment and job opportunities for local residents, stating, “It would deprive local residents of the opportunity to compete for jobs and investment, while also causing the area to relinquish substantial long-term economic investment.”
Navigating Public Sentiment
As the tide of public opinion continues to shift against datacenters, a recent Gallup poll revealed that 70% of Americans oppose the construction of AI datacenters in their neighbourhoods. This growing resistance has prompted communities across the nation to take action, with many pushing for moratoriums or stricter regulations on datacenter developments.
Despite this backlash, California has not yet considered a statewide moratorium on datacenters, although cities like El Monte, Baldwin Park, and Montebello have implemented temporary bans. With the spectre of economic and environmental concerns looming large, the dialogue surrounding datacenters is likely to remain a contentious issue in the political landscape.
Why it Matters
The successful ban on datacenters in Monterey Park serves as a pivotal example of community activism and local governance responding to the demands of residents. As more citizens become aware of the potential consequences of datacenter proliferation—ranging from environmental degradation to increased living costs—this landmark decision could inspire similar initiatives across the United States. The implications extend beyond Monterey Park; it signals a growing recognition of the need for communities to assert their rights and priorities in the face of rapid technological expansion.
