Amazon in 'advanced talks' about opening second HQ near Washington DC
Amazon has held "advanced" discussions about opening its second headquarters in the Washington DC area, according to the Washington Post, which is owned by Amazon boss Jeff Bezos.
With the potential to bring some 50,000 jobs to a US city, Amazon's move has garnered interest from politician / Amazon
The paper has reported that Amazon, which already has a base in Seattle, is exploring the possibility of opening up 'HQ2' in Arlington, Virginia – just south of Washington.
The e-commerce giant announced last year that it wanted to open another top office somewhere in North America, saying it had a preference for metropolitan areas with more 1 million citizens.
The business has been unclear on the reasoning behind opening another HQ, but it has outlined that it is looking for a city with a "stable and business-friendly environment" with "the potential to attract and retain strong talent".
The Post claimed: "Washington-area leaders believe the project is theirs to lose, and that Virginia, Maryland and the District would all benefit economically.
"Crystal City, with easy transit access, proximity to Reagan National Airport, and ready-to-occupy office buildings, has long been considered a strong contender. The District and Montgomery County also are among the 20 finalists."
However, Amazon's head of economic development Mike Grella offered a caution to those leaking information about the firm's plans, saying they weren't doing the DC district "any favours".
Memo to the genius leaking info about Crystal City, VA as #HQ2 selection. You’re not doing Crystal City, VA any favors. And stop treating the NDA you signed like a used napkin. https://t.co/wqrZLqr8MQ
— Mike Grella (@MikeGrella) November 3, 2018
With the potential to bring some 50,000 jobs to a US city, Amazon's move has garnered interest from politicians who have offered millions in tax incentives and ad agencies who have helped launch guerrilla campaigns, but Amazon isn't expected to make a final decision until November.
The company announced a list of top contenders in January, which included Atlanta, Los Angeles and Washington and Montgomery county, Maryland, which is just north of the DC.