Packed Chambers Demand Data Center Moratorium as Pittsburg Adopts Budget on Razor's Edge

More than 50 speakers and 107 written cards flooded Pittsburg's council chambers June 15 to oppose the AVO data center already approved on the city's former golf course — a wave of organized resistance that eclipsed every other item on a packed agenda. Against that backdrop, the council adopted a $268M city budget running a $3M structural deficit, a $330M five-year capital plan, and a bond refunding expected to save over $10M.

• Over 50 speakers and 107 cards blast AVO data center, demanding a moratorium, citizen oversight and voter approval before any expansion beyond 99 megawatts

• City budget adopted with nearly zero cushion — general fund ends the year with roughly $4,000 in available balance after tapping half the budget stabilization reserve

• $330M capital plan approved, adding crosswalk safety beacons near six schools and relocating a marina fitness area

• Bond refunding set to save $10M by shortening former redevelopment debt from 2036 to 2030

• Housing Authority approves $27M budget supporting nearly 1,100 voucher holders including 137 veterans

• Death threats disclosed — Vice Mayor Angelica Lopez revealed council members received threats tied to the data center fight

The longest segment of the meeting — stretching well past 11 p.m. and forcing a roll-call vote to extend the session — belonged to residents who packed the chambers to oppose the AVO data center being built on the former golf course site on West Leland Road.