Amazon's Second HQ Poised for Smart Growth

Amazon dropped a bombshell last week when they announced that they’re going to expand from Seattle by building a brand new second headquarters in another city. Based on the qualifications in their RFP, like on-site access to transit and connectivity options like sidewalks and bike lanes to “foster connectivity between buildings/facilities,” it’s another example of how companies are increasingly seeking out vibrant, walkable, connected urban places as they try to attract and retain talent.

Michael Rodriguez, director of research at Smart Growth America, shows how prior research and experience points to a move towards vibrant urban locations for corporations, and that corporations need those environments to compete. Cities also know this, and the new model of economic development is not through subsidies, but through providing supportive policy and infrastructure that enables companies to attract talent.