Monterey Park, California, passes first citywide data center ban in the nation
Monterey Park, California, has decisively passed the nation's first permanent citywide data center ban, with over 86% of voters in favor. This measure, known as Measure NDC, prohibits all data centers within city limits and can only be overturned by another citywide vote. The ban follows organized resident pushback and a prior moratorium, leading to the withdrawal of a proposed 250,000-square-foot data center project by HMC Capital.
Residents of Monterey Park, a San Gabriel Valley city in California, have overwhelmingly voted to approve the nation's first permanent citywide ban on data centers. Measure NDC passed with more than 86% of the vote, effectively prohibiting any data center development within the city limits. This landmark decision can only be reversed by a future citywide ballot.
The vote comes after a period of increasing local opposition to data center projects, driven by concerns over environmental impact and quality of life. An Australian asset management company, HMC Capital, had previously proposed a 250,000-square-foot data center project in Monterey Park but withdrew its application in April due to the mounting public sentiment. The city had also implemented a moratorium on new data center projects since late January, which further fueled the movement for a permanent ban.
The successful passage of the ban is a direct result of organized resident pushback and reflects a growing trend of communities nationwide expressing apprehension about the expansion of data centers.