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Labor groups back Mesa Verde, say project will create construction jobs and apprenticeships
Summary
Union representatives and workforce advocates urged the commission to forward the Mesa Verde package to council, emphasizing apprenticeship opportunities, local hire commitments, and high‑wage construction jobs the development would create during buildout.
Multiple union and workforce speakers urged the commission to support the Mesa Verde project for its anticipated jobs and apprenticeship opportunities. Louie Lopez, business agent for Ironworkers Local 433, told commissioners the project could employ veterans and apprentices and provide career‑long work on a large program of construction.
"This is such a great project because a lot of people think these are just part time jobs. They're not," said Louie Lopez, citing apprenticeships that start around $30 an hour and urging the commission to move the item to the city council. Other union speakers — including representatives of Ironworkers Local 416, La Luna and Laborers International of North America — echoed that sentiment and asked the commission to support the project to secure local hiring and long‑term union work opportunities.
The developer said the project would generate economic output and employment at scale (Bill Shopoff estimated more than 5,300 jobs at build out), and staff noted that certain community benefit contributions (per‑unit fees and business park CBCs) are tied to building permits and Certificates of Occupancy. Commissioners acknowledged the employment benefits but also pressed for robust sequencing and community protections before occupancy.
