On today’s edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Dave Wondolowski, Executive Secretary of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council, offered insights on two major projects set to energize greater Cleveland. As the region eyes a wave of construction at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and a new Browns stadium, Wondolowski discussed what these developments mean for union labor and the community. He also shed light on ongoing workforce recruitment and the much-debated future of Cleveland’s lakefront property.
The renovation and expansion of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport stands out as a massive jobs engine for Northeast Ohio. Thanks to a project labor agreement, Wondolowski explained, the airport overhaul will unfold in multiple phases, generating thousands of good-paying union jobs over a period of five to seven years. Early work has begun, including bathroom remodels, with further modernization to follow. The project will not only update crucial transportation infrastructure but also serve as a robust pathway to the middle class for working families in the region.
Another major construction project is the development of a new stadium for the Cleveland Browns, which is expected to generate more than $2 billion in economic activity and create 5,000 to 6,000 construction jobs, according to Wondolowski. He emphasized the importance of ramping up apprenticeship and workforce development programs to meet the rising labor demand for both the stadium and airport projects. With tight deadlines, including the goal of having the stadium ready by the 2029 season, extensive earthwork and rapid construction will be underway in the coming years. Wondolowski said these projects are driving efforts to attract young people from all backgrounds—especially in underserved communities—into rewarding careers in the building trades.
Finally, Wondolowski discussed that lakefront development will also be on the horizon as Cleveland considers possible uses for the site of the current Browns stadium once it is demolished. Wearing his other hat as Chairman of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, Wondolowski acknowledged that while some have floated the idea of a standalone casino, the ultimate vision for the lakefront will require careful long-term planning and collaboration across agencies. The priority, he suggested, should be on high-quality development that defines Cleveland's future, balancing bold new ideas with community needs and economic opportunity.
For more from Wondolowski, listen to the full episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast above.