From: Christina Liebner
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Written public comment for Oct 6
Date: Monday, October 5, 2026 6:33:17 AM
Hello City Council and staff,
Below is the text of my written comment for tomorrow's meeting:
Good evening, Mayor and Councilmembers. My name is Christina Liebner, and I'm an Alameda resident.
I'm asking the City to think beyond a moratorium on data center and AI-related business development, and to answer with "Yes, if…" instead of a flat no.
First, form an AI infrastructure community advisory board or commission, on par with the Mayor's Economic Development Advisory Panel. Its first job is to define a framework on reviewing data center-related development proposals with respect to Alameda’s priorities in human safety, environmental health, and economic equity. Its findings should feed into the next City Strategic Plan.
Second, until the board releases its framework, uphold a temporary moratorium on data center and AI-related development. Oakley, Gilroy, and Richmond recently passed moratoria, and I am interested to see what they produce at the end of that time.
Third, give the board a timeline. Within three months, this new board should hold listening sessions across the city. Within six months, release a draft community benefits agreement for public comment. Within nine months, release a framework for reviewing proposals. Another approach is to develop a detailed list of requirements that a prospective developer’s or tenant’s proposal must address in order to be considered.
Alameda isn't on the front line of this wave, so we can afford to be strategic. I firmly believe that if we are to use AI in any capacity, then we should exercise control over how it is operated and developed, and we should not outsource the burden to other communities that may not be able to push back as hard. We don’t have the electrical capacity for the large data centers that consume airtime these days, but we do have an ideal climate for operating a highly energy efficient and zero water use data center. Perhaps instead of being reactive, we can be visionary, and set a new standard for clean and equitable urban AI infrastructure.
Thank you.
Thank you for your consideration,
Christina
240.441.7991