Holyoke is now the first city in Massachusetts to ban new large-scale AI data centers, following concerns about their heavy demand for electricity and other local resources. Planning and Economic Development Director Eric Nakajima says the decision gives residents more control over the city’s future.

While the ordinance is an outright ban, city leaders may continue studying whether a more limited approach could work someday.

For now, companies proposing major new data centers should consider Holyoke off the table.