Here’s what the data center boom means for Wisconsin’s workforce

Wisconsin Watch investigated the impact of the state's data center boom on the workforce and broader economy. Data center proposals frequently face opposition due to concerns over land, water, and electricity use, while proponents emphasize job creation and economic benefits. Professors Xiaofan Liang (urban planning), Scott Adams (labor economist), and Dijo Alexander (IT/AI) identified three main job categories: development (planners, engineers), construction (electricians, carpenters), and operations (technicians, maintenance). Construction roles are numerous but temporary, often filled by out-of-town laborers. Operational jobs are fewer, requiring some IT expertise, as exemplified by Microsoft's Mount Pleasant development, which anticipates 3,000 construction jobs but 500 permanent operational roles. The experts noted that data centers drive demand for expanded utility infrastructure, benefiting local employment in those sectors. The need for components like steel frames can also boost local manufacturing, with some Wisconsin companies already securing over $1 billion in equipment sales. Alexander suggested that large developments could foster