I’ve worked in and around Joliet my whole life. I’ve seen the good years, the slow years and the years when we had to fight like hell just to keep folks working. So let me get right to the point: We need the Joliet Technology Center project.

For more than a century, Joliet has powered progress — from rail and river to steel and manufacturing. Today, the economy runs on data and digital infrastructure, and the new data center proposed for Joliet is not just another construction project; it’s a generational investment in Joliet’s future. This is our chance to bring in jobs, investment and opportunities that will pay dividends for decades.

During construction, local contractors, union trades and suppliers will see millions of dollars in work. Paychecks would circulate in our restaurants, shops and businesses, keeping the local economy moving. Once the center is built, it will support long-term operations jobs — technicians, engineers, facility managers, security and support staff — many of which can go to Joliet residents. This isn’t temporary work; these are real careers that can sustain families and strengthen our community.

In addition, data centers require ongoing construction work to accommodate the constant upgrading, replacement and expansion of high-density computer servers, power systems, cooling infrastructure and security systems. This continuous investment creates a steady stream of residual construction jobs long after the initial build is complete, directly countering the claim that data centers do not generate meaningful long-term employment.

But the benefits don’t stop there. This developer is doing something you rarely see anymore — it’s paying for the transmission upgrades itself. All of them. That means Joliet gets a stronger, more reliable grid without it costing ratepayers a single cent.

The developer also has gone above and beyond to limit impacts on residents and the environment. Concerns about water usage and mechanical noise are relics of older technology. The facility will use a closed-loop water cooling system, recirculating the same water rather than draining local supplies, cutting consumption significantly. Modern heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems are quieter, cleaner and far less resource-intensive, so the community won’t have to choose between digital infrastructure and peace of mind.

Beyond the jobs and economic boost, this project will have a lasting impact on Joliet’s finances. It brings substantial new tax revenue — revenue that will go directly to schools, roads, public safety and other essential services. That means improvements we all rely on, without raising taxes on residents. Families won’t be asked to pay a single extra dollar, yet the benefits will touch every corner of Joliet.

And it’s not just about money sitting in a city account — it’s about what that money makes possible. Better-funded schools mean more resources for kids, safer roads mean fewer accidents and stronger support for our first responders keeps all of us secure. When you look at the scale of the project and the revenue it generates, it’s clear this isn’t just a win for the city’s bottom line — it’s a real, tangible boost for the everyday lives of Joliet families.

It’s important to note that the companies behind this project have a track record of success. Hillwood has a long history of transforming underused land into high-quality, job-creating developments and PowerHouse Data Centers brings expertise in secure, efficient, next-generation digital infrastructure. Together, they’re proposing a long-term partnership with Joliet — not a “build it and leave” project.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Joliet. Other communities are actively competing for these investments, and we have the land, workforce and infrastructure to win. With thoughtful oversight and the right agreements in place, this project can become a cornerstone of Joliet’s next chapter — bringing good jobs, responsible development and lasting benefits for the families and businesses who call this city home.

Mike Clemmons is international vice president for the Sixth District of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

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