Story perspectives

Monterey Park Voters Ban Data Centers 86% Support

6/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Monterey Park voters approved Measure NDC, banning data centers citywide, with 86% support on June 3 2026.
Mayor Elizabeth Yang said the city imposed a temporary moratorium after the developer withdrew its data-center application.
Councilmembers Thomas Wong and Jose Sanchez called the vote an overwhelming community rejection of data-center projects.
Local activists said the result could serve as a model for other municipalities considering bans on data centers and battery-energy-storage facilities.

History

Historical Context

After Westford, Massachusetts rejected a 30-MW data center in 2015, municipal opposition has surged; Data Center Watch recorded $64 billion in U.S. projects halted between May 2024 and March 2025, and a March 2026 Gallup poll found seven-in-ten Americans oppose local sites. In June 2026 Monterey Park voters approved a moratorium, echoing the growing nationwide zoning push.

1 of 2

Story summary

Monterey Park voters approved Measure NDC, banning data centers citywide, with 86% support on June 3 2026.
Mayor Elizabeth Yang said the city imposed a temporary moratorium after the developer withdrew its data-center application.
Councilmembers Thomas Wong and Jose Sanchez called the vote an overwhelming community rejection of data-center projects.
Local activists said the result could serve as a model for other municipalities considering bans on data centers and battery-energy-storage facilities.

1 / 2