Virginia offered Amazon up to $750 million in public subsidies in exchange for creating local jobs and investment.
When Amazon built its 'HQ2' headquarters in Northern Virginia, it promised to create 25,000 new jobs by 2038. Per an agreement with the state, the company should have added 11,643 jobs by the end of 2025.
According to a Washington Post article by Kendall Staton, the company claimed economic forces beyond its control affected its ability to staff up faster. Amazon was offered up to $750 million in incentives as part of its permit to build the complex, which was the culmination of a competitive process that saw multiple cities vying for the project. Holly Sullivan, Amazon’s vice president of worldwide economic development policy, said "The company has invested millions in multiple education initiatives across the state and has donated more than $239 million to local groups since 2018, including more than $60 million in the past year."
However, the company is now only "moderately confident" that it will create as many jobs as it promised. Amazon has also failed to develop a large vacant lot it originally planned to build on by the end of 2025.
Read the full story: Amazon is behind on jobs promised for funding to build Virginia headquarters
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Communities near major e-commerce distribution centers are increasingly resisting new construction, citing air pollution and other public health impacts.
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On the heels of building its HQ2 facility in Arlington, Amazon continues to expand its hubs in cities spread out across the country.
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
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California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
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Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
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Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority