City of Stockton Data Centers Listening Session November 5, 2026

The City of Stockton held a community listening session on data centers on November 5, 2026. City staff described data centers as typically located in industrial areas and said recently enacted state law SB 887 requires a full California Environmental Quality Act review; staff also said facilities would not be placed next to sensitive uses. Economic Development staff cited potential property-tax and utility-user-tax revenue, and possible attraction of technology companies and higher-paying jobs. The city made no procurement decisions, contract awards, budget allocations, or votes at the session.

Residents raised concerns about water use, electricity demand, pollution, noise, neighborhood impacts, AI safety, job quality, and whether promised economic benefits would materialize. Speakers urged the city to establish strong environmental and energy standards, consult residents and youth, and include industry and utility experts in future sessions. City representatives said comments would inform the ongoing process, noted additional listening sessions were planned for November 9 and December 2, and said they would seek expert participation. A proposed community policy committee was raised as feedback, not established as an action. No specific procurement activity was identified.