Data centers may be grabbing headlines, and even punchlines, but for Wisconsin’s skilled tradespeople, they represent something far more serious: steady, family-supporting careers and long-term economic opportunity. These facilities are more than digital infrastructure, they’re engines of local growth, putting thousands to work today while building career pathways for tomorrow. As debates swirl around their development, it’s crucial to understand the real, immediate impact these projects have on workers, communities, and the future of our state’s economy.
For details on how data centers benefit Wisconsin’s workforce, click here.
The timing of these projects couldn’t be more critical. The construction industry’s workload can fluctuate with the economy, and right now, data centers are helping to stabilize it. Especially at a time when people are nervous about the economy. Without these projects, the job forecast for many skilled trades members could look very different. The impact is real and immediate for the union tradespeople and apprentices working on these sites to bring home family-sustaining paychecks and benefits. It’s clear to the men and women working on these projects that data centers bring tangible, long-term value to their families and local communities.
Unfortunately, not everyone sees it that way. Lately, even comedians have weighed in on data center development, but for Wisconsin’s tradespeople, this is no laughing matter. These projects mean steady work, strong communities, and job opportunity.
Data center development creates demand for electricians, HVAC tradespeople, laborers, and others. One recent project in Wisconsin alone has employed more than 2,000 union construction workers. Beyond construction, these projects create long-term roles in operations and maintenance, providing consistent work and career opportunities for years to come.
This wave of data center development also strengthens our workforce pipeline. The demand for skilled labor encourages contractors and union trades to invest confidently in their apprenticeship and training programs which ensure the next generation of workers can build successful, family-supporting careers right here in Wisconsin.
We also understand concerns about environmental impact and energy use. I think it’s fair to say we all want to create data centers in the most environmentally friendly way possible. Like any major development, these projects must be built responsibly. The good news is that many data centers are already leading the way with renewable energy use, efficient design, and sustainability commitments. We can and should continue to balance environmental stewardship with economic growth. In doing so, we must not lose sight of the economic interests of the men and women working on these projects and our broader communities that will benefit.
At the end of the day, data centers are foundational to the digital economy, and they anchor strong, resilient local economies. With the right policies, community partnerships, and a shared commitment to smart growth, Wisconsin can continue to harness this opportunity to benefit both our communities and the hardworking tradespeople who build these data centers.
When we talk about data centers, we’re really talking about something much bigger: good jobs, thriving families, and a stronger Wisconsin. That’s no laughing matter.
– Chris Mambu Rasch is Executive Director at Building Advantage
