2026 Data Center Listening Session 1

The City of Stockton held a public data center listening session on November 6, 2026, led by the city manager and Community Development staff. Officials described data centers as industrial land uses that would be directed to areas allowed by the General Plan and zoning code, and said California law SB 887 requires environmental review. The city cited potential economic benefits, including property and utility-user tax revenue, while acknowledging community concerns about electricity and water demand, environmental and quality-of-life effects, job quality, and the long-term costs and accountability for these facilities. Residents also raised concerns about environmental justice, proximity to communities, and whether promised economic benefits from past development had materialized.

No data center permits or project requests, procurement decisions, contract awards, budget allocations, or votes were identified. City representatives said the sessions are intended to gather feedback and that future sessions would seek technical input from industry representatives and utilities, including PG&E and Cal Water; additional sessions were announced for November 9 and December 2, with more dates to follow. Residents urged the city to establish strong protections and provide accessible, independent technical information before considering any proposals.