San Jose Mayor Mahan defends data center expansion as community expresses concerns

Hundreds of residents, faith leaders and youth activists gathered at San Jose City Hall to oppose the pace of data center development in Silicon Valley. Speakers cited concerns about noise, environmental degradation, grid capacity, utility bills and inadequate outreach to immigrant and non-English-speaking communities, while an anti-data center demonstration followed the meeting.

Mayor Matt Mahan said stopping all new data centers was unrealistic because digital infrastructure supports the region’s economy, but argued that developers should not receive a pass. He said the city was developing draft standards focused on labor practices, clean energy and water recycling, as residents continued pressing for a pause on approvals and a moratorium on new development.