Jackson Laboratory details local footprint, $250 million-plus investment and near-$60,000 annual contribution to Ellsworth

Mike McKernan, director of government and community relations at the Jackson Laboratory, told the Finance Committee that the institution is a major employer in the region and has made large capital and community investments in Ellsworth.

"371 JAX employees, regardless of campus, live in the city of Ellsworth," McKernan said, describing the company’s workforce footprint and local vendor relationships.

McKernan said Jackson Laboratory employs about 3,000 people worldwide, with the largest single workforce in Bar Harbor and a substantial campus in Ellsworth at 21 Kingsland Crossing. He said the Ellsworth property comprises about 17 acres and roughly 306,000 gross square feet of space after a significant renovation and expansion of the former Lowe’s building.

Why it matters: Jackson Laboratory’s presence touches hiring, local contracting, transit and housing demand. Committee members pressed the lab and staff on workforce and infrastructure implications as the city updates departmental budgets and capital planning.

Jackson Laboratory’s local contributions and investments Jackson Laboratory told the committee its institutional investment in the Ellsworth project exceeds $250 million. McKernan said state-authorized research and development bonds contributed more than $13,500,000 toward that total. He also said the lab makes an annual voluntary contribution to the City of Ellsworth and expects to make a similar payment in 2025 "approaching 60," noting the current figure under discussion is $59,700.

McKernan described a mix of local economic effects: employees living in Hancock County and neighboring towns, local contractors used for capital projects, and purchases that support area businesses.

Workforce, housing and other operational details McKernan told the committee that housing is the single largest barrier to recruitment and retention for some roles. He said roughly 20% of late-stage job candidates decline or are unable to accept offers because they cannot find housing in the area, a dynamic that prompted past institutional investments in workforce housing and childcare.

The Ellsworth campus currently lists open positions including facilities project manager, electrician, operations trainee, maintenance mechanic, environmental health and safety specialist and veterinary technologist. McKernan described the vivarium and other specialized operations at the campus and said tours are possible "in the right way" given sterility and biosecurity requirements.

Transportation and training partnerships McKernan described a transit partnership with Downeast Transportation; the lab purchases seats on existing regional routes to improve commute options from Bangor, Brewer and other towns. He also highlighted workforce-development partnerships, including advisory work with Hancock County Technical Center on a biotechnology program and a childcare partnership with the Downeast Family YMCA.

Community contributions and small grants McKernan said the lab maintains a community contributions program that offers modest, project-based funding and volunteer time off. He named examples of recent small grants and in-kind assistance to local nonprofits, emergency services and schools.

What’s next Committee members expressed interest in touring parts of the facility that can be shown to the public and requested additional documentation of local employment and economic-impact figures. McKernan said he would provide data and make arrangements to show committee members what he could without compromising facility protocols.

Ending The Finance Committee heard the update as staff prepare departmental budget submissions and capital planning work. Committee members said they value the lab’s economic role while continuing to press staff and partners on housing, transportation and child-care gaps that affect recruitment and retention.