The city is willing to reimburse the company for every Mesa resident hired to work at the AI-powered facility.

MESA, Ariz. — The City of Mesa is considering a development deal that would incentivize a new AI-powered facility to employ local residents. 

On the evening of Oct. 20, the Mesa City Council is scheduled to review a proposed agreement with Hadrian that would reimburse the company for every local resident they hire at its new manufacturing facility near Pecos and Ellsworth roads.

According to the deal, the city would reimburse Hadrian $750 for every local resident employed by the company. The reimbursements would be capped at $75,000.

“Reimbursement will only occur after the Mesa resident is hired and employed by Hadrian as a full-time employee for one full year and Hadrian has provided the Mesa resident employee with at least five hours of professional development training,” city documents.

The deal would also be contingent upon Hadrian creating 300 new jobs at a minimum average salary of $71,000 within five years, city records show.

When Hadrian first announced plans to come to the East Valley, the company described its facilities as a “factory of the future” that utilize artificial intelligence.

City staff are recommending the Mesa council to approve the deal, concluding it would result in a “direct public benefit” considering the company would be hiring several local workers at a minimum salary well above the county’s median wage.

“…the 100 Mesa employees are expected to generate about $9.7 million more in direct wages for Mesa residents over the five years of the program, according to a third-party economic impact analysis,” city records state.

The Mesa City Council meeting is scheduled to start at 5:45 p.m. on Oct. 20.

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