Monterey Park Voters Permanently Ban Data Centers via Measure NDC

Monterey Park residents passed Measure NDC in a June 2, 2026, primary election, establishing the first permanent ban on data centers by public vote in the United States. Semi-official results from Los Angeles County indicate overwhelming support, with the measure receiving between 86.3% and 86.8% of the vote. The measure ensures the ban can only be overturned by another citywide vote, preventing future city councils from reversing the restriction via ordinance.

The movement began following a 2024 proposal by HMC StratCap to construct a 247,000-square-foot facility near a residential area. Local residents opposed the project due to concerns over noise, air pollution, and the strain on electricity and water resources. While HMC StratCap withdrew its application in March 2026 and the city council enacted an indefinite moratorium in April, officials pushed for the ballot measure to create a more durable legal barrier.

Supporters, including environmental groups and community organizers, view the victory as a model for other cities in the San Gabriel Valley to resist AI-driven infrastructure expansion. Conversely, the Data Center Coalition argued that the ban signals the city is closed for business and deprives residents of potential high-wage jobs and tax revenue. The vote reflects a growing regional trend of community opposition to the environmental and economic impacts of rapidly expanding data centers.