Data center activity in Arizona
Arizona's environment is weighed down by at least 57 enacted moratoriums, with only six rejected. Zoning still favors developers, with at least 43 approvals against 16 denials, while opposition outcomes are close to even, with at least 18 projects blocked and 19 approved despite objections. At least 52 companies are active, reflecting steady interest in the Phoenix region and beyond. Arizona sits between more permissive Utah and more restrictive California and New Mexico.
Arizona's environment is weighed down by at least 57 enacted moratoriums, with only six rejected. Zoning still favors developers, with at least 43 approvals against 16 denials, while opposition outcomes are close to even, with at least 18 projects blocked and 19 approved despite objections. At least 52 companies are active, reflecting steady interest in the Phoenix region and beyond. Arizona sits between more permissive Utah and more restrictive California and New Mexico.
How is this scored?
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said the city won a partial victory in a lawsuit filed by Snell & Wilmer on behalf of WBR over Phoenix data-center zoning rules. The city has adopted tighter development controls, including neighborhood setbacks and special-use permits, while broader disputes over water, power, noise and environmental impacts continue.
The Scottsdale City Council unanimously directed City Attorney Luis Santaella to develop regulatory options for data centers. Potential rules could address where data centers may be built, noise limits and water usage.
A commentary piece discusses rural Arizona residents’ opposition to a data center project in Pinal County and outlines what they want to see next. The article does not identify the data center company or provide details about specific government actions.
Gilbert Town Council delayed a vote on proposed data center regulations until Nov. 12. The draft rules would impose a 650-foot residential setback, prohibit drinking water for cooling, limit zoning and height, and require sound and power studies. The council is acting before any new data center applications have been filed, amid concerns about water use, electricity demand and neighborhood impacts.
Gilbert officials postponed a vote on a data center project until December after several hours of debate. The delay indicates the project remains under consideration by the town government.
The Gilbert Town Council postponed adoption of new data center regulations until Dec. 15. The delay will give town staff more time to address concerns about smaller facilities, water use and rapidly changing technology.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has opened a public nuisance investigation into Menlo Digital's data center campus under construction in Ahwatukee after residents complained about construction noise, lighting, dust and potential long-term impacts. Residents are pressing for construction to stop, while Mayes is also advocating a statewide data center construction moratorium and stricter protections for water, electricity and communities.
Marana approved new data center regulations that impose noise limits near neighborhoods and require decommissioning plans for facilities built within town limits. Community members criticized the rules as insufficient and called for a moratorium, while officials said the regulations are intended to reduce the projects’ effects on residents.
Arizona’s expanding AI data center industry is increasing demand for skilled construction workers, including carpenters and electricians. BuildStrong Academy in Phoenix offers free nine-week training courses to help workers qualify for jobs supporting data center construction and wiring.
ABC15 examines NTT's large data center campus in Mesa amid community concerns about tax incentives, resource demands and the broader effects of continued data center growth. NTT argues that halting development could disrupt Arizona's expanding data center ecosystem and says tax incentives influence investment decisions.
Youth climate activists and other Tucson groups are opposing Project Blue, a proposed data center north of the Pima County Fairgrounds, citing risks to the region’s scarce water supplies and electric grid. Although the Tucson City Council unanimously rejected the project in 2025, Beale Infrastructure is continuing to pursue it under a previous land annexation agreement with Pima County.
Glendale’s Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of Project Eagle, a proposed data center and natural gas power plant near Luke Air Force Base. The project faces substantial resident opposition and unresolved questions about water supply, while the Glendale City Council is expected to make the final decision.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes held a town hall in Mesa where residents raised concerns about data centers' effects on water supplies, electricity costs, pollution and neighborhood quality of life. Mayes reiterated support for a statewide pause on data center approvals and urged state lawmakers and Gov. Katie Hobbs to consider a moratorium, while Ahwatukee residents specifically opposed a Menlo Digital project under construction.
Aligned Data Centers is expanding its Price Road and Innovation Street campus in Chandler with two planned facilities totaling more than 850,000 square feet and substantial power capacity. The project is authorized to use up to 150 megawatts of electricity and about 17.75 million gallons of water annually, highlighting ongoing resource concerns around Phoenix-area data center growth.
A data center campus in Chandler, Arizona, is entering a new growth phase with large users expected to occupy the site. The available article information does not identify the campus operator or specific users.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes told a Mesa town hall that rapid data center growth could increase utility bills, strain water supplies and create noise, temperature and oversight problems. Residents from Ahwatukee opposed a 1-million-square-foot Menlo Equities campus in Phoenix, while Mayes called for a construction moratorium and stronger statewide safeguards.
Dozens of Prescott-area residents spoke with Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes about data centers. The available article information does not identify a specific project, company, or government decision.
Flagstaff City Council candidates described their priorities for strengthening the local economy, including attracting higher-wage industries and supporting workforce development. One candidate specifically said they would oppose data centers in Flagstaff, but the article does not identify a specific proposed project.
Residents in Ahwatukee, Phoenix, are opposing the Menlo Digital data center under construction near their homes, citing noise, dust, pollution, water use, grid strain and health concerns. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has called for a statewide pause on approvals and construction of future data centers and held a town hall addressing public concerns.
The Gilbert Town Council may reconsider its approval of $55.7 million in construction for the second phase of Gilbert Regional Park. At the same Oct. 20 meeting, the council is also expected to consider new restrictions on data centers.