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Alhambra

Alhambra Voters to Decide on Data Center Ban

Residents in Alhambra will cast their ballots this November 2026 on a measure to prohibit new data centers.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Data Centers

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a monolithic server tower in deep red and cream, representing municipal data center regulation.
Alhambra voters will consider Measure DB in November 2026, a ballot initiative aimed at prohibiting the construction of new data centers citywide. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your city prohibit the construction of data centers to conserve local water and energy resources?

Alhambra residents are set to vote on Measure DB in November 2026, a ballot initiative that proposes a total ban on data centers in the city. The measure aims to restrict these facilities across all local zoning districts.

Why it matters

The proposal follows a growing trend of municipal action against data centers, driven by concerns over public health, safety, and high energy usage. These facilities often require significant resources, including millions of gallons of water daily and backup diesel generators.

Data centers rely on massive infrastructure, with some facilities consuming up to 5 million gallons of freshwater daily to cool hardware. These sites utilize complex networks of servers, networking gear, and onsite diesel generators for power.

The players

Alhambra

This city is the site of the upcoming November 2026 vote on Measure DB.

Monterey Park

This municipality passed Measure NDC earlier in 2026 to prohibit data centers.

Coachella

This city implemented an ordinance banning data centers in August 2026.

San Francisco

This city passed a 45-day temporary ban on new data centers in October 2026.

The details

Measure DB seeks to prohibit the construction or operation of data centers within all zones of Alhambra. Similar efforts have gained traction elsewhere, including recent bans in Monterey Park, Coachella, and San Francisco, where concerns over energy consumption and public safety have prompted local intervention.

Timeline

  1. June 2026: Monterey Park passed Measure NDC to prohibit data centers.

  2. August 2026: Coachella passed an ordinance to ban data centers.

  3. October 2026: San Francisco enacted a 45-day temporary ban on new data centers.

  4. November 2026: Alhambra voters will decide on Measure DB.

The Tech Race

The move to restrict data centers in Alhambra follows the precedent set by Measure NDC in Monterey Park. These local measures represent a growing regulatory reaction to the intense resource demands of modern digital infrastructure.

The potential passage of Measure DB could prevent the construction of large server facilities in the immediate area. Residents may see long-term impacts on local energy usage, water demand, and municipal land-use planning.

The takeaway

The upcoming vote highlights a widening debate over whether the benefits of digital growth outweigh the local resource demands of these facilities. Voters must now weigh the city's future industrial landscape against potential environmental and infrastructure concerns.

What happens next

Alhambra voters will cast their ballots on Measure DB during the November 2026 election.

Further reading

Learn more about local infrastructure trends at the Data Centers section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Magazine.

Live Poll

Should your city prohibit the construction of data centers to conserve local water and energy resources?