Board of Supervisors Formal Meeting - 2026-05-06
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Board of Supervisors approved a military compatibility permit for Project Bacara, a 160-acre data center and 744-megawatt natural gas power plant at Olive Avenue west of Litchfield Road near Luke Air Force Base, by a 4-1 vote despite significant public opposition (553 comments against, 5 in support). The board also terminated its court services IGA with the Town of Queen Creek (4-1) due to inadequate reimbursement, and approved a special use permit for dumpster storage at 17602 N Cave Creek Road.
Key Decisions (7)
Military Compatibility Permit for Project Bacara
Approved MCP250007 for approximately 160 acres north of Olive Avenue, one-half mile west of Litchfield Road, allowing industrial land uses including natural gas power generation facility (744 megawatts with 18 combustion turbines), data center buildings, APS substation, fuel storage, and parking. Site is zoned Industrial 3 within Luke Air Force Base's 75-80 LDN noise contour. Applicants include Monterra and Taconic. Planning Commission recommended approval 7-0.
Termination of Court Services IGA with Town of Queen Creek
Authorized early termination of intergovernmental agreement with Town of Queen Creek for court services due to increasing judicial productivity points, limited resources, and lack of adequate reimbursement. The IGA covered only town code cases (27 in 2025) but the town was accessing broader court services. Town has $840 million annual budget but was not paying for court services or jail housing ($145/day housing, $72 booking).
Special Use Permit for Dumpster Storage at Cave Creek Road
Approved SUP for dumpster storage in Rural 43 zoning at 17602 N Cave Creek Road for property owner Stoney Fred. Maximum capacity of 23 dumpsters on 1.1 acres of a 5-acre parcel. Remainder used for horse boarding and training agricultural operation.
Planning and Zoning Consent Agenda Items 6-8
Approved consent agenda items for planning and zoning without discussion.
Board Consent Agenda Items 14-74 (excluding 42-45)
Approved consent agenda items including contracts and operational matters, with items 42-45 pulled for separate discussion.
New Hope Animal Rescue Program Contracts (Items 42-45)
Approved contracts for New Hope program rescue partners. Program has 61 partners who pulled over 1,700 dogs last year (10% of shelter intake). 11 new partners joined in the past year.
Flood Control District Items 78-79
Approved Golden Eagle Park Dam Debris Mitigation Project extension for Town of Fountain Hills (75% flood control district funding of $90,750, 25% town funding of $30,250) and authorized sale of excess flood control district property following public auction.
Zoning Changes (1)
North of Olive Avenue, approximately one-half mile west of Litchfield Road (160 acres)
Bacara Eagle Land (Monterra and Taconic)
Development Activity (2)
Project Bacara
160 acres including data center buildings, 744-megawatt natural gas power generation facility with 18 combustion turbines, APS substation, fuel storage. Maximum building height 72 feet (40% of permitted 180 feet). Eight 45,000-gallon propane tanks for backup storage. Estimated $10 billion investment, 5,500 construction jobs, 100+ permanent jobs at $100,000+ salaries. Water usage projected at 144 acre-feet per year, approximately 1% of traditional evaporative-cooled data centers.
Dumpster Storage Facility
1.1 acres of 5-acre parcel for storage of up to 23 clean dumpsters, typically 10 on-site. Remainder of parcel used for horse boarding and training.
Market Signals (5)
Commercial Demand
Data center development continues to attract major investment in Maricopa County, with Project Bacara representing an estimated $10 billion investment and demonstrating demand for co-located power generation facilities.
Infrastructure
Luke Air Force Base compatibility requirements create significant regulatory hurdles for industrial development in the West Valley, requiring extensive coordination and conditional approvals.
Housing Demand
Town of Queen Creek described as one of the fastest growing communities in Arizona and the nation, experiencing explosive growth requiring new police department, fire department, and eventually municipal court.
Sentiment
Significant community opposition to industrial development near residential areas, with over 550 comments opposing Project Bacara citing air quality, water usage, noise, and property value concerns.
Infrastructure
Water conservation is a major concern for industrial development, with new data center technology using approximately 1% of water compared to traditional evaporative-cooled facilities.