Amazon is growing and it needs a second headquarters. It’s outgrown the capacity of its hometown of Seattle and is now looking for a second HQ. It’s been dubbed HQ2 and Amazon has been inviting bids from across North America to help it decide on the best location for that second home. We’ve written about the search before.
Amazon has now reviewed 238 proposals from across the USA, Canada, and Mexico to reveal a shortlist. But what are they looking for? For the second Amazon HQ they seek a location with “the presence and support of a diverse population”, “a strong university system” and “an overall high quality of life”. Basically a vibrant and modern city is the key requirement.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos says: “Amazon HQ2 will bring billions of dollars in upfront and ongoing investments, and tens of thousands of high-paying jobs. We’re excited to find a second home.”
And as the process progresses, Holly Sullivan of the Amazon Public Policy said: “Thank you to all 238 communities that submitted proposals. Getting from 238 to 20 was very tough – all the proposals showed tremendous enthusiasm and creativity. Through this process we learned about many new communities across North America that we will consider as locations for future infrastructure investment and job creation.”
One thing in particular leaps out from the list: all the locations are in the USA, except Toronto. Amazon did say in the application process that they would also consider Canada and Mexico. But it looks like that only one applicant in either made the grade and impressed. As it stands, at the bookies, Atlanta, Austin and Boston are the favourites. But what do they know?
These are the locations that Amazon says are on the shortlist:
– Atlanta, GA
– Austin, TX
– Boston, MA
– Chicago, IL
– Columbus, OH
– Dallas, TX
– Denver, CO
– Indianapolis, IN
– Los Angeles, CA
– Miami, FL
– Montgomery County, MD
– Nashville, TN
– Newark, NJ
– New York City, NY
– Northern Virginia, VA
– Philadelphia, PA
– Pittsburgh, PA
– Raleigh, NC
– Toronto, ON
– Washington D.C.
One Response
Jeff: I live in Wichita, KS. About your HQ2 shortlist. Been to many of these cities. Even lived in one, Denver. But only one city stands out for downright livability and great FUN! If my name were Jeff Bezos, the choice is a “no-brainer”. If I were your location consultant, still a “no-brainer”. I’m talking about the “BURGH”, a.k.a. Pittsbugh. My advice? Simple. Work up a disguise so you will blend in with the crowd. Then head for downtown. Skip the mayor’s office. Instead, head for “the BURGH’s” historic Strip District, Penn Avenue. No…, its not what you may be thinking. It’s a foodies paradise. You go there to smell food, eat food, buy food. Start early. Hit Delucas for a hearty breakfast; great pancakes. Then work up a lunch appetite by hitting the shops. Head across the street to Penn Mac (Pennsylvania Macaronie Company). Then wait for the little Italian ladies to arrive to do their pasta and olive oil shopping. Sort of eaves drop, listen in. They will lead you to the best in the world. Lunch time? Another “no-brainer”. Almost around the corner. Primanti Brothers. The feature attraction? The Primanti sandwich. Wash it down with an ice cold Yuengling Lager beer. Homesick for Seattle yet? The Strip has you covered. Head down the street and step into Wholey’s Fish Market. Fresh fish and lots of it on huge beds of ice. Just like Seattle. And still hungry later? There is a great, little Polish deli at the north end of the Strip, the S&D Polish Deli. Enjoy yourself!
John Stohler