Some might say we are unlikely allies — representatives of Richmond’s business and labor communities. Though we may not always agree on everything, we share a commitment to making Richmond the strongest city possible, with economic opportunity and good jobs for Richmonders in every neighborhood.

That is why we have come together to support the proposed Richmond Grand Resort and Casino and urge all Richmonders to vote yes for Richmond Grand this fall.

Richmond Grand is a joint venture of Churchill Downs, a premier name in racing, gaming and entertainment, and Urban One, the nation’s largest Black-owned diversified media company.

If approved, this will be one of the largest private sector investments in Richmond in decades and, importantly, it will not use one penny of taxpayer funds — no tax breaks, incentives or grants.

This world-class resort, gaming and entertainment complex will attract new visitors to our city to support our shops, restaurants and businesses.

It will add dining and entertainment options for Richmonders and tourists to enjoy.

And most importantly of all, it will create tremendous job and business opportunities for Richmond workers and companies.

Richmond Grand will create thousands of construction jobs during the creation of a luxury hotel, high-end gaming space, film/television soundstage and 55-acre park. Because of a project labor agreement with the Richmond Building and Construction Trades Council, a rare agreement in the Richmond area, workers on the project will be covered by collective bargaining agreements that ensure fair wages and good benefits.

These are jobs that will allow Richmonders of all experience and education levels to begin a career in the trades that can lift themselves and their families into the middle class. These are the kind of good jobs with benefits that can help stabilize families and communities.

Once construction is complete, Richmond will have a deeper pool of skilled, experienced trades workers who can go to work around the city and the region.

When Richmond Grand opens its doors, it will employ 1,300 people in a variety of positions averaging $55,000 in annual compensation with great benefits, including health care and retirement.

Once again, these are solid, middle-class jobs for Richmonders who may not have a college degree, but nevertheless want and deserve good-paying, family-sustaining jobs. These will be jobs with advancement opportunities and transferable skills that set Richmonders up for fulfilling careers.

Importantly for our city, the project includes a 60% local hiring objective to make sure Richmonders get the first shot at these job opportunities.

Not only will Richmond Grand hire local, it will buy local as well.

Richmond Grand will aim to buy 40% of its goods and services from small-, women- and minority-owned businesses during both construction and operation. The project will have an approved plan for meeting these goals and a designated coordinator to ensure it hits its targets.

Richmond Grand may be a South Side project — located just off Interstate 95 near Bells Road — but it will have citywide benefits. The project will generate $30 million in tax revenue every year that we can invest in a stronger, safer city.

One of the most exciting and impactful aspects of this project is the $19 million in annual gaming tax revenue that will be used to establish Richmond’s first Child Care and Education Trust Fund.

This new trust fund will make child care and early childhood education more affordable and accessible for Richmond families, allowing more Richmonders to stay in or re-enter the workforce knowing their child is safe and being well-prepared for a lifetime of learning. The trust fund will be administered by an independent board so politicians can’t mess with the money.

If approved, Richmond Grand will be much more than simply a casino. It will truly be a world-class entertainment complex, with a 3,000-seat concert venue and 15 bars and restaurants, including local favorites from Richmond’s tremendous restaurant and beverage scene.

It will also include a brand-new 55-acre park in South Side where one is badly needed.

As leaders of the business and labor communities in Richmond, we recognize a good opportunity when we see one. We understand that this project will open doors of opportunity for Richmond workers, businesses and residents in a way that will benefit our entire community.

We believe Richmond Grand is a rare opportunity to create thousands of jobs, generate tens of millions in tax revenue, and spur investment and development in a part of the city that is eager for it.

Now, the choice is in our hands.

We will be voting yes for Richmond Grand, and we urge all Richmonders to join us.

Samuel Epps is the political director of UNITE HERE Local 25. He can be reached at sepps@local25now.org.

Nickkol Lewis is the board chair of The Metropolitan Business League and principal and senior creative at Visual Appeal LLC. She can be reached at nlewis@visualappealllc.com.

Floyd Miller is the president and CEO of The Metropolitan Business League. He can be reached at fmiller@thembl.org.

Charles Skelly is president of the Richmond Build and Construction Trades Council and business manager of IBEW Local 666. He can be reached at cskelly@ibewlocal666.com.