New poll shows broad support for Micron to agree to enforceable commitments, including investments in job creation, environmental protections and public infrastructure
Syracuse, New York – A new poll shows broad support among Onondaga County voters for enforceable commitments from Micron Technology as the company builds its chipmaking complex in Clay.
The survey, conducted by Data for Progress and commissioned by Jobs to Move America and the Urban Jobs Task Force of Syracuse, polled 624 registered voters in Onondaga County about the Micron project. The results show a clear message from voters: Micron can be a major economic opportunity for Central New York, but only if public officials and the company ensure that local communities share in the benefits and are protected from the risks.
By an overwhelming margin, voters support legally binding requirements to ensure Micron delivers local benefits in exchange for the public support it has received, which is upwards of $20 billion in federal, state, and local subsidies.
The poll found that:
- 87% of voters support legally binding requirements for Micron to make investments in job creation, environmental protection, and public infrastructure. Support for legally binding requirements cuts across party lines, with 89% of Democrats, 86% of independents, and 84% of Republicans backing the proposal.
- 91% say local hiring should be a priority, among those 68% say it should be a top priority.
- 76% agree Micron should provide job training and opportunities for Central New York residents living in disadvantaged communities.
- 79% agree permanent operations workers at Micron should have the option to join a labor union if they choose.
While the poll found that 70% of Onondaga County voters support the project, the results above reveal a clear demand for accountability. Voters also recognize the project’s potential: 87% say the facility will have a positive impact on jobs, and 80% say it will have a positive impact on the local economy. However, when voters were asked to rank their top priorities for Micron to meet, 59% listed enforcing environmental protections; 50% listed providing high wages, benefits, and job quality standards; and 37% listed investing in housing to prevent shortages, displacement, and rising housing costs.
The open-ended responses from voters reinforced the same message. One respondent wrote, “It’s a positive for the region, no doubt. [Micron] should be required to be extremely transparent in compliance with environmental regulations, and local hiring.”
Another wrote, “Micron should hire qualified workers locally if possible and have a route toward training local residents… They should maintain environmentally safe practices and invest in local infrastructure especially in the areas affected by their facility!”
Voters also expressed concerns about an increase in traffic (79%), decrease in availability or reliability of the local water supply (76%), decrease in local water quality and wastewater systems (76%), strains on the local power supply (80%), strains on the local emergency services (61%), environmental harm (78%), decrease in public funding such as education (65%) and increase in housing prices (80%) as a result of the project.
“These results show voters are paying attention to the potential harms of the project if enforceable protections are not put in place,” said Katie Mulligan, Syracuse Organizer at Jobs to Move America. “With the massive amount of public support Micron is receiving, Central New York deserves a binding community benefits agreement that guarantees good jobs, job access, environmental safeguards and infrastructure investment.”
“For Jobs to Move America and Urban Jobs Task Force, the poll confirms that a community benefits agreement is not a side issue — it is central to maintaining public trust and ensuring that the project delivers on its promises. Voters want Micron commitments to local hiring, strong job standards, real career pathways that are specific, public, enforceable, and tied to the needs of the communities that are hosting and funding the project.”
Quote from Emanuel Henderson Vice President of Urban Jobs Task Force of Syracuse Inc.
“Central New York voters understand the stakes,” Mulligan said. “They want Micron to succeed, but they want that success measured by whether it leaves Central New York stronger than it was before. That requires binding commitments from Micron, not unenforceable promises.”
About the Survey
From May 14 to 27, 2026, Data for Progress conducted a survey of 624 registered voters in Onondaga County, New York, using SMS and web panel respondents. The survey was weighted to be representative of registered voters by age, gender, education, race, geography, and recalled presidential vote. The survey was conducted in English and has a margin of error of ±4 percentage points.
About Jobs to Move America
Jobs to Move America (JMA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that conducts rigorous, independent research to develop the ideas, practices, and policies necessary to build a just new economy. For more than a decade, federal, state, and local policymakers have relied on JMA’s research to inform their decision-making at the intersection of public procurement and emerging industries. JMA has recently produced leading insights into industries such as electric school bus manufacturing, microchip manufacturing, and lithium extraction.
About Urban Jobs Task Force of Syracuse, Inc.
The Urban Jobs Task Force of Syracuse (UJTFS) is a collaboration of individuals and organizations advocating for and with disadvantaged Syracusans for equitable employment and economic opportunities. UJTFS’ vision is a Syracuse where all prosper through good paying jobs and meaningful careers.
About Data for Progress
Data for Progress (DFP) is a multidisciplinary group of data experts that measures — and moves — public opinion by equipping the progressive movement with the insights it needs to win. Led by a team of experts, DFP offers high-quality, affordable polling in every corner of the country, message testing and focus groups on complex issues, and in-depth, victory-minded analysis. Learn more at dataforprogress.org. Follow DFP on X at @dataprogress and on Bluesky at @dataforprogress.org
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