Coachella Approves Data Center Moratorium, Ends Stronghold Power Agreement

The Coachella City Council unanimously voted Thursday night to approve a temporary 45-day moratorium on new data center applications and terminate its agreement with Stronghold Power Systems, the company behind a proposed large-scale technology campus on the city's east side.

The decisions came after months of public debate and more than three hours of public comment during the council meeting, where residents continued to voice overwhelming opposition to data center development in the city.

The proposed Coachella Valley Technology Campus would have spanned more than 400 acres and included six data centers. Community members raised concerns about potential impacts on water resources, energy consumption, infrastructure, and the environment.

Residents gathered at City Hall celebrated after the council approved both measures, calling the vote a major step toward preventing future data center development in the community.

While the moratorium temporarily halts new applications, city leaders said the action is only the beginning of a longer process that could ultimately lead to a permanent ban. Council members directed staff and the city attorney to continue exploring legal pathways, including zoning restrictions and other long-term solutions.

Council Member Stephanie Virgen said the city must ensure any future action is legally sound, while Mayor Frank Figueroa said council members are committed to pursuing stronger protections moving forward.

The City Council is expected to revisit the issue on July 9, when officials will consider whether to extend the moratorium and discuss additional measures aimed at permanently restricting data center development within Coachella.