Riverside blocks data center proposals during AI policy review

The City of Riverside council voted 5 to 2 to block the city from accepting data center proposals, according to The Riverside Record. The council adopted a resolution noting that data centers are not an allowed use under the current city code, rather than imposing a 45 day moratorium.

The restriction will remain while a council committee studies AI policy, including possible rules for data centers. The 13 month working group will next meet on December 3 and plans to present policy recommendations to the full council in 2027.

Councilmember Philip Falcone, who pushed for the restriction, said a ban would preserve commercial land for sectors that bring more jobs, prevent an electrical grid overload and protect the city's water supply. No data center proposals are currently before the city.