Community Vision for Strong Environmental, Resident and Worker Protections

Good Jobs.
Healthy Communities.
A Fair Deal for CNY.

Learn More About Our Platform

CNY United for Community Benefits is an alliance of Central New York workers, community leaders, educators, and environmentalists working to ensure that public subsidies translate to real benefits for our community. 

About CNY United for Community Benefits

Central New York has seen private companies making big promises in exchange for taxpayer dollars, only to learn years later that these promises were hollow. With one of the highest poverty rates in the country, Syracusans simply cannot afford to give away public dollars with little to show for it.

Semiconductor company Micron Technology is building a facility in Clay, New York and is slated to receive upwards of $20 billion in public subsidies.

We think that with that kind of public backing, Micron should commit to creating good jobs for Central New York residents while proactively minimizing the negative impact on affordability, public services,  and our health and environment.

In an effort to maximize the success of the Micron project, our alliance is calling for a community benefits agreement (CBA) with enforceable commitments to:

  • Provide fair opportunities for all workers and community members to share in the benefits the Micron facility may provide
  • Minimize harm to workers, residents, community, and the environment from construction and operation of the facility 
Issues

Our alliance is asking Micron to make enforceable commitments to: 

01

Job Access, Workforce Development, and an Equitable & Safe Workplace. 

1. Micron workers should receive wages and benefits that allow families and the local economy to thrive.

2. Syracusans from all backgrounds should have access to good jobs at Micron without barriers, and a fair workplace where all workers have a chance to succeed and advance.

3. A good job is a safe job. Micron must commit to keep workers, their families, and community members safe from hazardous work conditions and toxic chemicals.

02

Housing and Transportation Justice and Equity. 

1. CNY residents can’t join Micron’s workforce if they’re unable to get to work: residents need safe, reliable, affordable and low-emissions transportation.

2. Micron and public officials must take measures to ensure the project doesn’t make the region’s housing prices, traffic, and air pollution worse. 

3. Micron must expend its direct investment in public school career and technical education programs. Micron should pro-actively contribute to ensuring public services are better, not worse, because of their presence. 

03

Public Health and Safety, Environmental Health, and Resource Justice. 

1. Micron must replace wetlands, waterways, and habitats the project will destroy. 
 
2. Massive energy and water use by Micron should not affect the affordability of these resources for the rest of us. Micron should take meaningful steps to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, including by purchasing new renewable energy. 

3. Since it is receiving major tax credits, Micron should make concrete commitments and regularly share progress on these commitments to the public. 

4. Both workers and community members must be safe from the effects of toxic chemicals. 

Meet Our Coalition

See our full platform here.

F.A.Q.

Find answers to commonly asked questions about Community Benefits Agreements.

Resources

Jobs to Move America
Jobs to Move America’s public comment on Micron’s DEIS (Draft Environmental Review)
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Vibrant autumn leaves scattered over rocks in a serene forest stream setting.
Onondaga County Office of Economic Development
Micron 2025 Draft Environmental Impact Statement
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A diverse group of adults holding hands in unity and friendship under daylight.
SustainCNY
Meet SustainCNY, A Coalition Formed to Educate the Community About the Micron Project
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CHIPS Communities United
Meet CHIPS Communities United, A National Coalition Organizing for Equitable Manufacturing
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CNY United
CNY United for Community Benefits Letter to Micron
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