Amazon's HQ2: A Journey Through the Finalist Cities
The tech giant Amazon's search for a second headquarters, dubbed HQ2, has been a hot topic since 2017. After receiving 238 proposals from cities across North America, Amazon narrowed down the list to 20 finalists in January 2018. Let's delve into the key aspects of each finalist city, exploring their offerings and how they stack up against Amazon's requirements.
Amazon's HQ2 Criteria
Before we dive into the finalist cities, let's understand what Amazon is looking for. The company has stated that it's seeking a business-friendly environment with a robust tech talent pool, a suitable site for development, and a community that thinks big and creatively. Additionally, Amazon has indicated a preference for metropolitan areas with at least 1 million people.
Top 20 Finalist Cities
| Rank | City | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atlanta | Georgia |
| 2 | Austin | Texas |
| 3 | Boston | Massachusetts |
| 4 | Chicago | Illinois |
| 5 | Columbus | Ohio |
| 6 | Dallas | Texas |
| 7 | Denver | Colorado |
| 8 | Indianapolis | Indiana |
| 9 | Los Angeles | California |
| 10 | Miami | Florida |
| 11 | Montgomery County | Maryland |
| 12 | Nashville | Tennessee |
| 13 | Newark | New Jersey |
| 14 | New York City | New York |
| 15 | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania |
| 16 | Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania |
| 17 | Raleigh | North Carolina |
| 18 | Richmond | Virginia |
| 19 | Toronto | Ontario, Canada |
| 20 | Vancouver | Washington |
Cities with Strong Tech Talent Pools
- Boston: Known for its robust tech scene, Boston is home to numerous startups and tech giants like Google and Amazon itself.
- Seattle: As Amazon's original headquarters, Seattle has a deep talent pool with many experienced tech professionals.
- San Francisco Bay Area: While not a finalist, the Bay Area is often mentioned in the same breath as HQ2 due to its unparalleled tech talent pool.
Cities with Business-Friendly Environments
- Austin: Known for its pro-business stance, Austin offers incentives to attract businesses and has a low cost of living compared to other major cities.
- Nashville: Tennessee's capital has been actively courting businesses, offering competitive incentives and a lower cost of living.
- Columbus: Ohio's state capital has a strong track record of attracting businesses, with a focus on job creation and economic development.
Cities with Suitable Development Sites
- Denver: The Mile High City has ample land for development, with several sites already zoned for commercial use.
- Indianapolis: Indiana's capital has a large, shovel-ready site known as the Indianapolis Airport Authority's Site 1, which is ready for immediate development.
- Dallas: The Lone Star State's most populous city has several large, undeveloped sites, including the 25,000-acre Trinity Forest.
As the HQ2 search continues, these finalist cities are vying for Amazon's attention, each offering unique advantages and incentives. With the potential to bring 50,000 jobs and invest $5 billion, Amazon's decision will significantly impact the chosen city's economy and tech landscape.
Stay tuned for further developments in Amazon's HQ2 search, as the tech giant is expected to make a final decision in 2019. Until then, the 20 finalist cities continue to refine their pitches, hoping to secure this transformative opportunity.
