Summary
The city is moving toward banning data centers, with the public hearing set for Monday, April 20 at 7 p.m. after noticing delays pushed it off this agenda.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 12
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 30, 2026.
Impact analysis
The developer touts $5–7 million a year in revenue for the city; opponents call those projections fragile and warn of higher utility bills and litigation costs.
Residents concerned about data center development in the city's innovation and technology zones.
Residents fear health, noise, and property value harms if the data center is built; union workers and the applicant would lose the project if banned.
Mentions & discussions (28)
This California city became a model for resisting data centers
This California city became a model for resisting data centers Marketplace.org
Monterey Park Becomes a Role Model for Banning Data Centers
Monterey Park Becomes a Role Model for Banning Data Centers KQED
They championed the fight against a Monterey Park data center. Now they’re running for office
They championed the fight against a Monterey Park data center. Now they’re running for office Pasadena Star News
Where are authorities restricting data centres amid AI boom?
Where are authorities restricting data centres amid AI boom? Reuters
In Praise of the Windowless Box: How California’s first data-center ban reveals what cities have forgotten
In Praise of the Windowless Box: How California’s first data-center ban reveals what cities have forgotten California Policy Center
AI data centers spark power bill fears in California, new poll shows
AI data centers spark power bill fears in California, new poll shows The Desert Sun
California Residents Grow Wary of Data Centers
California Residents Grow Wary of Data Centers RTO Insider
How an Asian-majority city passed the US' first permanent data center ban
How an Asian-majority city passed the US' first permanent data center ban Nikkei Asia
City Council - Jun 30, 2026
Speakers repeatedly celebrated Monterey Park's first-in-the-nation permanent ban on data centers, approved by 88% of voters. Sanchez called it a blueprint for other cities, and Lo urged channeling that civic energy into other local issues.
Data centers face backlash across California as residents demand more transparency around their impacts
Data centers face backlash across California as residents demand more transparency around their impacts KVCR News
Monterey Park overwhelmingly banned data centers. What comes next?
Monterey Park overwhelmingly banned data centers. What comes next? SFGATE
California City Becomes First in the Nation To Ban Data Centers Outright
California City Becomes First in the Nation To Ban Data Centers Outright Realtor.com
Voters in a California City Just Banned Data Centers Forever, Proving Arrogance Comes at a Cost
Voters in a California City Just Banned Data Centers Forever, Proving Arrogance Comes at a Cost Inc.com
SGV communities react to Monterey Park AI data center vote
SGV communities react to Monterey Park AI data center vote Spectrum News
News | Voters have started to ban data centers. Developers are responding.
News | Voters have started to ban data centers. Developers are responding. CoStar
Voters back first-in-nation permanent data center ban in city near L.A.
Voters back first-in-nation permanent data center ban in city near L.A. The Washington Post
Voters in Southern California city favor permanent data centers ban
Voters in Southern California city favor permanent data centers ban USA Today
Voters in California City Become First in US to Approve Permanent Ban on Data Centers
Voters in California City Become First in US to Approve Permanent Ban on Data Centers Common Dreams
Map Shows Where Data Center Bans Could Strike Next
Map Shows Where Data Center Bans Could Strike Next Newsweek
California voters had their first chance to be heard on data centers. They didn’t hold back.
California voters had their first chance to be heard on data centers. They didn’t hold back. Politico
California city bans data center construction as opposition grows nationwide
California city bans data center construction as opposition grows nationwide Yahoo
City Council - Jun 3, 2026
Residents passed a first-in-the-nation ballot measure banning data centers by 86% to 13%. The city attorney confirmed the third implementing ordinance takes effect ten days after election results are certified.
City Council - May 6, 2026
The council gave final approval to a permanent citywide ban on data centers, and a companion ordinance will kick in automatically if voters pass Measure NDC on June 2. Residents have been vocal supporters, and the June 2 special election will settle it at the ballot box.
City Council - Apr 20, 2026
The council converted its interim moratorium into a permanent ban on data centers citywide, effective immediately via urgency ordinance. Voters will also weigh in on Measure NDC on June 2, which would amend the general plan to prohibit data centers. Supporters cite noise, water use, pollution, and property values; union laborers say the ban kills construction jobs before projects get a fair hearing.
City Council - Apr 15, 2026
The city is moving toward banning data centers, with the public hearing set for Monday, April 20 at 7 p.m. after noticing delays pushed it off this agenda.
City Council - Feb 18, 2026
The developers behind the 1977 Saturn Street data center are threatening to sue the city over what they call a sudden and unfair shift against the project, including potential data center bans. The council met with lawyers behind closed doors to figure out how to handle the mounting legal risk.
City Council - Feb 4, 2026
The proposed HMC data center near Saturn Park has divided the city: most residents who spoke oppose it over noise, health, water, and electricity concerns, while building trades unions support the construction jobs and urge a full EIR. The council put off a decision, directing staff to explore all ban options — zoning, a ballot measure, or repealing Ordinance 2253 — with action expected March 4.
City Council - Jan 21, 2026
Residents mobilized in massive numbers to oppose data center development in Saturn Park, prompting the city council to pass an emergency moratorium and order staff to draft a complete ban on data centers across Monterey Park.
Related development
1977 Saturn Data Center Project
Residents fear noise, pollution, water and power strain, and property value losses near the site; supporters tout construction jobs and tax revenue.
1977 Saturn Avenue Data Center
Residents packed the chamber to oppose it, citing diesel generators, noise, water and power use, and health risks; the project's fate now waits on new citywide regulations during the moratorium.
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