ADVERTISEMENT

    Columbus Submits Proposal for Amazon HQ2

    After plenty of local speculation, the City of Columbus has formally submitted a proposal for the construction of Amazon’s second headquarters project, which could include up to eight million square feet of office space and 50,000 new high-paying jobs.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    “The City of Columbus submitted a proposal in response to Amazon’s request for proposals for the company’s second North American headquarters project,” stated Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther in a statement release yesterday evening. “If awarded to Columbus, the project would further validate the strength of the Columbus market, afford new employment opportunities to thousands in our community, and create the opportunity to explore new, innovative educational partnerships.”

    Since the project was first announced in September, over 150 cities across the US and Canada have submitted proposals, each offering millions — sometimes billions — in tax breaks and incentives to lure the $5 billion development project to their region.

    “Regarding the incentives offer from the City, the City of Columbus is ensuring that Amazon locating its second headquarters in Columbus would provide substantial new funding to Columbus City Schools and new educational opportunities for our children,” added Ginther.

    Columbus appears to fit most of the major guidelines for the project, other than our lack of mass transit and our lack of international flights. The project guidelines include:

    • A metropolitan areas with over one million people
    • A stable / business-friendly economy / environment
    • A site at least 45 minutes from an international airport
    • Proximity to major highways and arterial roads
    • Access to mass transit routes

    Some of the optional requirements include direct flights to Seattle, NYC, San Francisco, and DC and proximity to major universities.

    The Amazon HQ2 selection announcement is slated for some time in 2018.

    For more information, visit www.amazon.com.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Subscribe

    More to Explore:

    CCAD Wants to Uncover Historic Building, Fill in Parking Lot

    The Columbus College of Art & Design has submitted...

    Intel Gets More Federal Funding for Ohio Production Plants

    Nearly $20 billion in federal grants and loans is on its way to Intel to support work on semiconductor fabs in Ohio and around the country. The funding is part of the CHIPS Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022. Ohio’s New Albany-area Intel facility currently under construction stands to benefit substantially.

    Updated: Madison County Solar Farm Would Be One of the Largest in U.S.

    UPDATE (3/21/24): The Ohio Power Siting Board voted seven...

    The Confluence Cast: Downtown with Michael Brown

    We're exploring the evolution of downtown with Michael Brown, who has been a cornerstone in the city's development planning and worked both in and outside city government to cheer on its growth. Columbus Underground editor Walker Evans and Mike delve into the city's challenges and triumphs, the synergy between projects, the balance between iconic and neighborhood-level public art investments, and the concerted efforts to address systemic issues like homelessness and affordable housing. Through anecdotes and insights, they highlight Columbus's young, creative energy and the dynamic urban policies that continue to drive its growth.
    Walker Evans
    Walker Evanshttps://columbusunderground.com
    Walker Evans is the co-founder of Columbus Underground, along with his wife and business partner Anne Evans. Walker has turned local media into a full time career over the past decade and serves on multiple boards and committees throughout the community.
    ADVERTISEMENT