New campaign brings labor leaders and lawmakers together November 18 in Atlantic City to discuss data centers, project labor agreements, and community protections

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (November 12, 2026) — Jersey Jobs First, a new campaign advocating for responsible development that creates good union jobs and protects New Jersey communities, is bringing labor leaders and state lawmakers together during the New Jersey League of Municipalities conference.

With an initial focus on data centers, the campaign advocates for project labor agreements (PLAs), strong environmental protections, apprenticeship opportunities, and requirements that developers pay their fair share of infrastructure costs. Jersey Jobs First aims to ensure that major development projects deliver lasting economic benefits for New Jersey workers, families and communities.

As part of that effort, Jersey Jobs First will host a panel discussion on Wednesday, November 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City. The discussion will bring together state lawmakers and building trades leaders to examine how municipalities can support responsible data center development while protecting workers, taxpayers and local communities.

Featured panelists include:

- Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, New Jersey General Assembly
- Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli, New Jersey General Assembly
- Kate Gibbs, Deputy Director, Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative (ELEC 825)
- Mike Tranberg, President, UA Local 9 and New Jersey Association of Pipe Trades
- Joseph DeMark Jr., SMART Local 25
- Mike Hellstrom, Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA)

The discussion will explore project labor agreements, workforce development, infrastructure readiness, environmental safeguards, and how communities can hold developers accountable for their commitments.

“Working people need a voice in the decisions shaping New Jersey’s economic future,” said Stacey Yudin, CEO of NEP Services, which leads the campaign. “At NEP, we’re putting our communications and community engagement tools to work through Jersey Jobs First to help unions organize their members, reach local decisionmakers, and build community support for responsible development. We want that investment to deliver good jobs and lasting benefits for the people who live and work here.”

Jersey Jobs First calls on municipal officials to bring building trades representatives into project discussions early and seek specific, enforceable commitments on jobs, infrastructure, and community impacts.

The campaign advocates for PLAs, strong pay and benefits, safe working conditions, and registered apprenticeship opportunities. It also calls for transparent review of energy and water demand, protections against shifting developers’ infrastructure costs onto working families, and accountability for addressing noise, traffic and other neighborhood impacts.

As New Jersey considers new data center proposals, Jersey Jobs First emphasizes the importance of distinguishing temporary construction employment from permanent operations jobs, evaluating infrastructure demands, and ensuring that economic development commitments translate into measurable community benefits.

November 18 Panel Discussion

The Jersey Jobs First panel will take place Wednesday, November 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room Ocean E/F on the Meeting Room Level at Ocean Casino Resort, 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Food and light refreshments will be provided. Registration is required.

The panel is not open to media. Interviews with campaign representatives may be arranged.

To learn more about Jersey Jobs First, access campaign resources or sign up for updates, visit jerseyjobsfirst.com. Union leaders are encouraged to share campaign resources and identify proposed projects, upcoming hearings, and opportunities for coordinated outreach.

About Jersey Jobs First

Jersey Jobs First is a campaign led by NEP Services to advance responsible development that creates good union jobs, expands apprenticeship opportunities, and protects New Jersey communities. With an initial focus on data centers, the campaign advocates for project labor agreements, strong environmental protections and developers paying their fair share of infrastructure costs. Learn more at jerseyjobsfirst.com.

About NEP Services

NEP Services provides technology, communications, and engagement services that help unions and other organizations connect with their members and communities. Its work supports member communications, community relationships, and advocacy. Learn more at nepservices.com.