Created Equal: Ford’s ‘BlueOval City’ EV complex promises jobs, residents want more input
Advocates for a community benefits agreement join Stephen Henderson to share their hopes and concerns over Ford’s massive electric vehicle industrial campus.
The rural landscape of West Tennessee is undergoing a massive change. Ford’s “BlueOval City” electric vehicle manufacturing complex spans six square miles and is expected to bring 6,000 jobs to the area. That kind of economic development would be the envy of many states, including Michigan, but some residents are asking Ford to adopt a community benefits agreement.
Subscribe to Created Equal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.
Rebekah Gorbea is the statewide coordinator for Tennessee for All and says some residents in West Tennessee are asking for Ford to engage in a meaningful dialogue with community groups, including BlueOval Good Neighbors. The proposed community benefits agreement outlines three main areas of concern: environmental protections, affordable housing and jobs and training for residents of the area.
Ford expects the manufacturing complex to bring jobs and economic growth to the area. Gabby Bruno, Ford’s community relations director, says they are actively working with surrounding communities in West Tennessee and seeking resident input on the development.
“Ford and Ford Philanthropy are committed to our community initiatives because we want residents in every community neighboring BlueOval City to benefit as the campus comes to life. I look forward to introducing our Good Neighbor Plan, developed with the help of resident input and the community leaders who make up our Equitable Growth Advisory Council.”
“BlueOval City” is expected to produce 500,000 vehicles annually once it is fully operational, with recent estimates putting that start date to sometime in 2027.
Guests:
- Jamie Butters is the Executive Editor of Automotive News
- Rebekah Gorbea is the statewide coordinator for Tennessee 4 All
- Shannon Whitfield is a resident of Mason, TN and a member of BlueOval Good Neighbors advocacy group
- Eloise Thompson is a resident of Mason, TN and a member of BlueOval Good Neighbors advocacy group
Listen to Created Equal with host Stephen Henderson weekdays from 9-10 a.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand.
Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.
WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
