Boise has a new sister city, enabled by opportunities in the CHIPS and Science Act | Opinion
Two years ago, President Joe Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law to transform our nation’s technological and economic future and make good on his commitment to bring manufacturing jobs back to America. As the mayors of Boise, Idaho, and Syracuse, New York, we see firsthand the profound impact CHIPS is already having in our communities, and we have proudly formed a new sister city relationship to learn from one another and work collaboratively to make the most of the opportunities ahead for our residents.
The CHIPS and Science Act restores American leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and research, a critical sector that underpins everything from our smartphones to our national defense systems. For decades, semiconductor manufacturing went overseas. By investing $52 billion into the semiconductor industry, CHIPS brings those jobs home: revitalizing local economies and creating thousands of jobs. It’s mobilized historic levels of private-sector investments across the country, including here in Boise and Syracuse.
In Boise, we knew that CHIPS would be transformational, so we got to work to support companies seeking these investments. CHIPS made possible Micron’s decision to bring manufacturing to America again, investing $15 billion right here in Boise. And this decision has meant new partnerships with CWI, Boise State, labor unions and apprenticeship programs — ensuring Boise is a hub for memory manufacturing and that the kindergartners starting school next week will have ample job opportunities when they graduate. And it’s not just Micron: American Semiconductor is a finalist for investment, and other tech companies like Tokyo Electron and Photronics have announced they’re growing jobs here. CHIPS is paving the way for our city to be a center of innovation and opportunity in the semiconductor industry, creating jobs and opportunities for Boiseans today and tomorrow.
Syracuse, too, has experienced an economic resurgence catalyzed by CHIPS. The establishment of new semiconductor manufacturing facilities has attracted significant investments and spurred American job creation. Our community has seen a surge in high-tech jobs, providing opportunities for our residents and encouraging young talent to stay and contribute to our local economy. CHIPS has strengthened partnerships between our universities and industry leaders, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and research.
The CHIPS and Science Act is helping build America through technological advancements and by creating a roadmap for collaborative, bi-partisan efforts to grow strong communities, meet the needs of a growing tech sector and create good-paying American jobs. As mayors, we’re working closely with federal, state, and local governments; the private sector; labor unions; and academic institutions to make sure our residents are prepared for these careers and that our communities can support the workforce, transportation, educational, and childcare needs of our residents and vibrant semiconductor industry.
We know there’s more work to do: expanding access to childcare and transportation, supporting education and training programs, promoting diversity and inclusion within the tech industry, and creatively addressing housing affordability. The CHIPS and Science Act laid the foundation for a brighter, safer, more prosperous future. In Boise and Syracuse, we are laying the groundwork for the full potential of CHIPS to impact our families for generations to come, and excited for what’s ahead.