Local & Community
Coachella Residents Confront Developers Over Massive Proposed Data Center at Heated Town Hall
Dozens of frustrated Coachella residents gathered Monday evening at the Boys and Girls Club of the Coachella Valley for a highly anticipated town hall meeting regarding a massive proposed data center. The project, led by Stronghold Power Systems, has become a lightning rod for controversy in the East Valley, with many residents feeling the city has attempted to push the plan through with minimal public transparency.
The town hall serves as the first major public forum since the project—often referred to by developers as a "Technology Campus"—was presented late last year.
The Scale of the "Technology Campus"
Stronghold Power's proposal is staggering in scope, encompassing 240 acres of land on the city's eastern edge. The plan includes:
Six massive data center buildings, totaling approximately 3 million square feet.
A rated capacity of 270 to 300 megawatts, acting as the anchor tenant for the newly proposed Coachella Municipal Utility.
Dedicated microgrids utilizing fuel cells and battery storage to power operations.
While developers argue the project will generate $21 million in annual revenue and create hundreds of jobs, local residents are far more concerned with the daily reality of living next to such a behemoth.
Environmental and Economic Alarms
Residents like Ash, who has been vocal at recent city council meetings, raised pointed questions about the environmental trade-offs. The primary concerns include:
Water Scarcity: Despite claims from Stronghold that the facility would use 40% less water than traditional agriculture, residents fear any new draw on the drying Colorado River will further contaminate and deplete the local supply during a persistent drought.
Rising Utility Costs: Critics worry that the massive energy demand required to run six data centers 24/7 will cause local electricity prices to skyrocket for residential customers.
Heat and Pollution: The sheer amount of heat generated by 240 acres of servers, combined with potential emissions from backup diesel generators, has raised red flags regarding air quality and the "heat island" effect in an already sweltering desert.
Proximity: The site sits directly across from residential mobile home parks and is located only two miles from a local elementary school.
Political Scrutiny and "Specific Language"
Current Coachella Mayor Dr. Frank Figueroa attended the meeting, stating that he is seeking clarity on the "specific language" used in the development agreements. Terms like "Municipal Utility Center"—which allows for the importation of energy—and the rebranding of the data centers as a "Technology Campus" have left some officials and residents feeling that the project's true impact has been obscured.
The controversy is further compounded by campaign finance records showing that Stronghold Power previously donated to the mayoral campaign of former Mayor Steven Hernandez.
As the meeting wrapped up at 8:00 p.m., the divide between the city’s economic ambitions and the residents' environmental fears remained as wide as ever. The project must still undergo a full environmental impact report before any final approval.
Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.
By: Alondra Campos
May 11, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Tim O’Brien at the Coachella Valley Firebirds training camp!!
BREAKING NEWS 🚨: Murder Suspect Vicky Kim has made a court appearance for the first time in almost two weeks amidst medical delays and two refusals. Today she plead NOT GUILTY to all charges of killing her husband. She is set to appear October 7th for her preliminary hearing. Be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com for more information on this case. #breakingnews #courtnews #vickykim #coachellavalley #760
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Did you catch the bug that’s going around?
Talking With Thalia: GLP-1 medications have become a popular tool for weight loss, but what you eat while taking them matters, too. Local dietitian Jessica Brantley Lopez shares the importance of protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber and hydration, along with why smaller, more frequent meals may help manage side effects and support healthy weight loss. Jessica also opens up about her own experience with GLP-1 medication and how it changed her approach to helping others. Talking With Thalia is sponsored by DAP Health. Watch the full conversation at NBCPalmSprings.com. #TalkingWithThalia #DAPHealth #GLP1 #WeightLoss #Nutrition Dietitian HealthToday CoachellaValley PalmSprings NBCPalmSprings
Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery are one step closer to completing their $110 billion merger after a coalition of 12 state attorneys general reached a settlement with Paramount. The settlement resolves the states’ antitrust lawsuit, though it still requires court approval. The agreement includes commitments involving film production, workers and editorial independence for CNN and CBS News. California AG CNN’s Brian Stelter reports. #Paramount #WarnerBrosDiscovery #ParamountMerger #CNN #Hollywood #Media #Merger #Entertainment
A high-speed police chase in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, came to a dramatic end when the vehicle plunged into Lake Como. Dashcam video released by police shows the pursuit before the car crashes into the water. Four people inside the vehicle were pulled from the lake with no serious injuries reported. Police say the driver was charged with reckless driving. Watch the video and get more at NBCPalmSprings.com.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Don’t sweat the small stuff!
As fall approaches, it’s time to start thinking about your annual flu shot. The CDC recommends flu vaccination every season for nearly everyone 6 months and older, and September or October is generally the ideal time for most people to get vaccinated. The 2026-27 flu vaccines have been updated to target the strains expected to circulate this season. There’s also a new option this year: Moderna’s mFLUSIVA, the first FDA-approved mRNA flu vaccine, for adults 50 and older. Talk with your health care provider about which flu vaccine is right for you and make a plan to get vaccinated this fall. Learn more about DAP Health at DAPHealth.org. #FluSeason #FluShot #FluVaccine #DAPHealth #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Health #Wellness #NBCPalmSprings
Murder Suspect Vicky Kim was set to appear in court at the Larson Justice Center today following her recent medical clearance to appear in court, but refused. However, she may be forced to appear should she refuse again. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we follow the latest developments of this case #VickyKim #arraignment #courtupdate #riversidecounty