Yuma County residents protest data center talks, officials say no proposals yet

What would a data center mean for Yuma County jobs, water use, power demand and daily life? That question drove a tense presentation Friday, April 10, when the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation opened a discussion that had first been closed to the public after residents gathered outside in protest.

The meeting drew elected officials and community residents from across the county, along with presentations from an Arizona Public Service representative and the economic development manager for El Mirage, a city that already has data centers. GYEDC president and CEO Greg LeVann said companies are interested in Yuma County partly because of proposed natural gas pipeline projects, which he argued could bring alternative energy sources. The presentation also referenced more than 700 jobs and more than $65 million in projects.

Residents who opposed the idea said the county already lives with drought and should not take on another industry that could strain limited resources. Priscila Ruedas called for representation and transparency, reflecting a broader frustration among residents who said they want a say before any plan advances. Yuma County Supervisor Jonathan Lines said any data center model should avoid affecting water used for agriculture, a point that cut to the heart of the local debate in a county where farming remains central.

Mayor Douglas Nicholls said there are no current plans, applications or permit requests before local agencies, and said he is listening to all sides at this early stage. That message came as a warning and a reassurance: no proposal is in front of city hall now, but the pressure around future development is already building.

The local fight is unfolding against a statewide surge. The Arizona Corporation Commission said metro Phoenix ranked No. 2 in North America for planned data center development as of September 9, 2025, with about 1,300 megawatts under construction in Arizona and 4,154 megawatts planned. Cities including Chandler, Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe have already adopted policies, while Tucson and Pima County responded to the proposed Project Blue data center with ordinances and other restrictions.

In Yuma County, the water issue is not abstract. The county remained in drought conditions as of March 31, affecting 39,900 people, or 20.4% of the population. Drought.gov listed 10,254 acres of wheat, 8,519 acres of hay and 2,499 acres of cotton in drought, while a University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center factsheet said local agriculture depends on the Lower Colorado and Lower Gila Rivers and long-standing Colorado River water arrangements. With an estimated population of 224,449, a median household income of $62,876 and median gross rent of $993, Yuma County is weighing a new kind of development against an economy still tied to water, farms and the quality of life around them.