What could mean billions of dollars for economies from Harlem to Hollis, the City of New York today submitted its formal proposal for Amazon’s second headquarters (HQ2), expected to bring 50,000 good-paying jobs and an investment of over $5 billion to a city in North America. The proposal, which was submitted in partnership with the State of New York, emphasized the competitive advantages that uniquely position New York City. The city boasts the largest pool of talent in the country, world-class academic and research institutions, and the nation’s most diverse economy.
The City’s proposal includes a letter of support signed by more than 70 elected leaders from all five boroughs. Read that letter here.
Read an overview of the City’s proposal here.
Read Mayor de Blasio’s letter to Amazon here.
The City’s response includes four proposed business districts that could serves as a home for Amazon’s second headquarters: Midtown West, Long Island City, Brooklyn Tech Triangle and Lower Manhattan. Of the more than two dozen proposals received as part of the City’s RFEI, these four districts met the specific requirements of the Amazon RFP: 500,000 square feet of commercial space by 2019; accommodating up to 8 million square feet of commercial space for 50,000 jobs within a 15-minute radius; proximity to transit, highways, and airports; and connectivity to surrounding mixed-use neighborhoods.
“We see this as a competition for 50,000 new job openings–jobs we want New Yorkers to land,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We win it based on the talent of our workers and the incredible diversity of industries in this town.”
The Case for New York City:
- 2.3 million New Yorkers have a bachelor’s degree or above, more than Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Washington and Boston combined
- The New York Metro area tech workforce is the largest in the nation with 296,000 workers, compared to 150,000 in the San Francisco area
- More Fortune 500 companies than any other city
- 9,000 startups changing how we live and work
- 105 institutions of higher learning
- Diverse array of industry leaders from construction to fashion to tech who have committed to forging partnerships with Amazon
- Strengths in key sectors where Amazon’s business is growing: tech, media, advertising, fashion, advanced manufacturing
Amazon already has already made a number of key investments in New York City. The company has a sizable presence throughout the five boroughs, including corporate offices, a distribution and fulfillment center, and retail space. Last month, Amazon signed a lease for 360,000 square feet on the Far West Side of Manhattan, substantially expanding its New York City footprint.
New York City Economic Development Corporation is the City’s primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs.
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