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Union and construction speakers highlight jobs and workforce training if data center proceeds
Summary
A coalition of tradespeople and union representatives urged the council to weigh construction and long‑term economic benefits, noting thousands of construction jobs and apprenticeship opportunities; they urged evidence‑based review of trade‑offs.
Several speakers representing building trades and apprenticeship programs urged council to consider the economic and workforce benefits of large development projects such as the proposed Mill Creek data center. Garth Findlay of the North Coast States Carpenters framed the project as an opportunity to change the city’s tax base and to create construction employment while cautioning that the community must secure enforceable commitments.
Jesus Alceda, speaking for the same carpenters union, told council the project could create thousands of construction jobs and apprenticeship experience for local residents. Sam Moles, apprenticeship coordinator for the Western States Training Fund, said projects of this size provide sustained training opportunities that strengthen the local construction workforce beyond the life of a single build.
These proponents acknowledged community concerns about water, noise and transparency and urged the city to require enforceable commitments, technical verification and labor standards as part of any future agreement.
