The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

Josh DeSpain
´óÏóAPPstands on the edge of a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Project Blue — a proposed 290-acre data center campus — is more than just buildings and servers. It’s a $3.6 billion investment that will bring thousands of jobs, strengthen local communities, and secure Tucson’s place in a growing high-tech economy. In a region often overlooked for major tech investments, this project signals to national companies and developers that Southern Arizona is ready for smart, sustainable growth. It tells the country and the world that ´óÏóAPPis open for business and committed to the future.
Real jobs, real wages
As Business Manager of IBEW Local 570, I represent electricians who power Southern Arizona. For our members — and thousands of others in skilled trades — Project Blue means steady, high-wage work. We’re talking about over 3,000 direct construction jobs and more than 2,000 indirect jobs tied to local suppliers, restaurants, and small businesses. That’s not theory; it’s a fact backed by data from similar projects around the country.
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When complete, Project Blue will support 180 full-time tech jobs paying an average of $64,000 per year. These aren’t warehouse gigs or seasonal contracts. These are careers with benefits, offering pathways for local apprentices and young workers to build a life here instead of moving away. Importantly, these jobs come with training programs and long-term stability, which is exactly what our region needs to keep families rooted in Tucson. Additionally, these positions help build a more diverse workforce, expanding opportunities for underrepresented communities in our region.
A smart investment for Tucson’s future
Some have raised concerns about water and energy use, and those are fair questions. But Project Blue isn’t taking without giving back.
The development includes:
— An 18-mile reclaimed water pipeline.
— An aquifer recharge facility replenishing all consumptive water use.
— Cooling systems designed for Tucson’s desert climate.
— A long-term power agreement supporting grid reliability and renewable energy.
With these commitments in place, Project Blue will actually improve public infrastructure that benefits everyone — from city neighborhoods to rural communities. Moreover, these infrastructure upgrades will lay the groundwork for future responsible development in the area, reducing the need for ad-hoc fixes and expensive retrofits down the road. Similar projects, such as those noted by Uptime Institute, have shown how data centers can integrate sustainable practices while supporting local economies.
Beyond infrastructure, the project will act as a catalyst for other investments in the region. As more companies see the success and benefits of Project Blue, we can expect additional data centers, logistics operations, and technology firms to consider ´óÏóAPPfor expansion. This kind of momentum is how modern economic hubs are built.
Strengthening our middle class
At a time when middle-class jobs are disappearing in too many places, this project puts ´óÏóAPPahead of the curve. Union trades like ours rely on projects like Project Blue to keep our members working with dignity and security. It means apprentices learning skills, journeymen putting those skills to use, and families supported by stable paychecks.
Beyond construction, the tax revenues speak for themselves: $250 million over a decade for Tucson, Pima County, and Arizona combined. Those funds mean better schools, safer streets, and stronger public services — resources our community needs. Increased local spending by new workers and companies will also boost small businesses, creating a positive economic ripple effect.
It’s also important to remember that large-scale projects like this create community pride. When people see cranes in the sky and new buildings rising, it sends a signal that their city is growing and improving. That sense of forward momentum can help attract young talent, retain existing residents, and encourage civic engagement.
We can’t let this slip away
Project Blue isn’t just about today’s economy. It’s about securing Tucson’s future in a world increasingly powered by data and technology. Rejecting this project or delaying it without cause sends a message that Southern Arizona isn’t serious about growth or opportunity.
We’ve seen other regions pass up opportunities like this and later regret it. ´óÏóAPPhas a chance to lead the way, proving that we can balance economic development with sustainability and community benefits. And with strong public oversight and transparency measures in place, there’s no reason we can’t ensure Project Blue delivers on its promises. For broader insights, the Economic Impact of Data Centers report offers further evidence of how similar projects have benefited other communities.
As a union leader, I urge our community to see past the headlines and focus on the facts: Project Blue is a smart, responsible, and necessary step forward for Tucson. Let’s build it — together. Let’s show the country what Southern Arizona is capable of when we work together for a better future.
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Josh DeSpain is the business manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #570 Southern Arizona