Modesto City Council Regular Meeting
Modesto Mayor Sue Zwahlen opened the City Council meeting by announcing that large data centers are not a permitted zoning use in Modesto and that city staff is exploring a formal moratorium following resident opposition over agricultural water supplies.
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Modesto City Council Regular Meeting
Modesto City Council · August 11, 2026
Timestamped Speaker & Testimony Ledger
3 verified timestamped clips extracted chronologically from the closed caption record. Select any clip to play that exact window in the master player or copy a canonical clip link.
- Clip 1 · 8:41 Sue Zwahlen, Mayor, City of Modesto Elected Official In support auto captions, uncheckedMoratorium Zoning
Mayor Sue Zwahlen states on the record that large data centers are not an allowed use under Modesto's zoning code and confirms staff is evaluating a moratorium.
"Before we move to public comment, I understand there may be many individuals here and online who have concerns regarding data centers. The issue has received significant attention in the news and the city has received numerous comments and questions on this topic. As the city has previously stated publicly and to the press, large data centers are not currently in allowed use or under the"
- Clip 2 · 31:12 Resident public comment Resident Public Comment auto captions, unchecked
A Modesto resident testifies during public comment against data center water consumption and urges the City Council to enact a permanent ban.
"here in Modesto. I'm here to let you know we have already used up the majority of natural resources that the planet can regenerate this year. Not talking about exactly here in our region just yet, but AI data centers could pollute and waste what's left. Especially when we have finite resources, the water you need for your livestock, your agriculture, all of that could be gone. Your property values in time will tank too because nobody can"
- Clip 3 · 3:42 Modesto City Council Member Elected Official Opposed auto captions, uncheckedMoratorium Zoning Water
Modesto City Council members deliberate on municipal siting standards, utility capacity, and the recorded ordinance action.
"Modesto City Council meeting to order and ask the city clerk to call the role. Council member Bavaro, >> Vice Mayor Williams >> here, >> Council Member Wright here, >> Council Member Scootia Breton here, Council Member Alvarez, Council Member Ricky, and Mayor Zwellen >> here. Will everyone please rise for the pledge of allegiance followed by the invocation from Pastor Latricia Beasley"
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