Monterey Park becomes the first city in California to ban "all data centers within city limits"

Monterey Park, a small city located seven miles east of downtown Los Angeles, has made history as the first city in California to enact a permanent ban on data center construction. The city council voted unanimously on April 20th to pass three ordinances that declare data centers a public nuisance and prohibit them within city limits. This decisive action comes after an extensive period of community organizing and public outcry. Groups such as No Data Centers Monterey Park (NDCMP) and the San Gabriel Valley Progressive Action successfully rallied residents against a proposed 250,000 square foot data center project by Australian asset manager HMC StratCap, intended for an old shopping center. Their efforts previously led to the project's cancellation, the company's lease withdrawal, and the implementation of a temporary moratorium on data centers. Residents voiced significant concerns during an hours-long public comment period, highlighting issues such as strain on the electrical grid, increased costs, harmful pollution, and excessive water use, arguing that data centers offer no community benefit. While some building union members expressed support for the jobs the project would create, their arguments were largely overshadowed by the widespread opposition from locals. Monterey Park Mayor Elizabeth Yang expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the council's decision accurately reflects the community's wishes. A ballot measure is scheduled for June 2nd to further solidify the ban through a direct democratic vote.