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Hundreds of residents press Coachella City Council to halt Stronghold data center plan
Summary
At a packed Coachella council meeting residents urged the council to terminate its agreement with Stronghold Power and enact a moratorium on data centers, raising concerns about water use, air and noise pollution, few local jobs, and alleged conflicts of interest in the city—s process. Council scheduled a May 11 community workshop to share more information.
Dozens of residents told the Coachella City Council on April 27 that the city—s public-private utility agreement and proposed Coachella Valley Technology campus tied to Stronghold Power would harm local water, air and neighborhood quality while delivering few local benefits.
"We need a moratorium, not only on data centers," said James Rodriguez, a lifelong Coachella resident, urging the council to stop developments that would require the city to subsidize infrastructure or cover costs through rates. "If we are footing the bill for their electrical, their street, their water ... they shouldn't get to go forward."
Speakers cited large volumes of water and energy used by hyperscale data centers, proximity to schools and neighborhoods, and what several called inadequate transparency about the city—s process. Agricultural and farmworker advocates warned of long-term impacts on irrigated land and regional aquifers; one farmer said the project sits in territory served by the Coachella Valley Water District and questioned the project—s effect on agricultural allocations.
Multiple commenters also alleged conflicts of interest in the Stronghold agreement: Stephanie Ambris summarized language from the city's contract that she said would "waive all fees for planning and building permits to the extent permitted by law" and read items she said showed potential staff and consultant conflicts. Organizers and long-time residents called for the city to terminate the Stronghold agreement and to institute a local moratorium while environmental and fiscal impacts are studied.
Reporter Athena Juraj of KESQ said the outlet had repeatedly sought comment from the city manager and council and urged officials to speak publicly: "We are trying to give [residents] voice... we would like to do an interview with any of you with any information you can share."
Council members acknowledged the depth of public concern and directed staff to organize an informational community workshop on Monday, May 11, to provide presentations from city attorneys, staff, and the P3 partners, and to allow residents to ask questions and provide feedback. The meeting notice and staff—s outreach were described as the next steps for public engagement rather than a policy decision.
What happens next: Council did not vote on the Stronghold agreement at the April 27 meeting. Staff will hold the May 11 community workshop and bring any subsequent agenda items back to council for formal consideration; residents who spoke urged a moratorium and/or formal termination of the agreement as next steps.
