Alhambra voters will decide in the November election whether to adopt Measure DB, a citywide ordinance that would ban data centers in every zoning district. The measure mirrors Monterey Park’s Measure NDC, approved by voters in June, which also prohibited data centers within that city.
What the measure would do
Measure DB asks voters to amend the Alhambra Municipal Code to define “Data Centers” and prohibit them citywide. A “yes” vote would enact the ban, while a “no” vote would keep data centers permissible under existing zoning rules.
Why the issue matters locally
Data centers house large networks of computer systems used for data storage and processing. They require backup diesel generators and significant amounts of freshwater for cooling. According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, a large facility can consume up to five million gallons of water per day.
Opponents of data centers in Alhambra cite these environmental concerns, arguing that the water and diesel usage strain local resources and conflict with community health and safety. Supporters contend that data centers are critical to keeping the United States technologically competitive, especially as artificial intelligence expands.
Community response
Local residents have voiced mixed opinions. Some neighborhood groups fear the noise, traffic, and potential pollution from diesel generators, while business advocates point to job creation and the economic benefits of attracting high‑tech infrastructure.
The city council has scheduled public hearings to gather input before the measure appears on the ballot. Council members emphasized the importance of weighing environmental stewardship against economic development, a balance that aligns with Alhambra’s tradition of responsible growth.
How to vote
Registered Alhambra voters will receive a ballot that includes Measure DB. Voting “yes” will add the ban to the municipal code; voting “no” will leave the city’s current zoning rules unchanged, allowing data centers to be considered for future development.
Voters can find sample ballots and detailed information on the city’s official website or at the Alhambra Public Library. Early voting locations and absentee ballot procedures are also available for those who cannot vote on Election Day.
What’s next
If the measure passes, the city will need to enforce the new ordinance and potentially address any existing data center projects that are already under construction. If it fails, the council may revisit zoning regulations to address community concerns while still permitting data center development.
Regardless of the outcome, the debate highlights a growing national conversation about the environmental impact of data‑intensive technologies and the role local governments play in shaping that future.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
