Amazon HQ2

[Dale]

Originally Posted by GoldenBoot

Read it closer...the position will be based in D.C., but, "could" require relocation.

Hummmmm.

Certain Atlantans on SSP are SUPREMELY confident that Amazon is coming to Atlanta.

[The ATX]

Originally Posted by Dale

Certain Atlantans on SSP are SUPREMELY confident that Amazon is coming to Atlanta.

Yes, I've been following that. I don't know which mod re-opened the HQ thread in City Discussions today, but I thought it was interesting that an ATL poster or two wanted the thread locked again. I couldn't help but think they couldn't handle the thought of anyone suggesting other locations were still in contention.

[clubtokyo]

Omg the Atlanta City compilation thread drives me bananas. It’s always at the top and every time I click on it, they are not really showing proposed buildings, concepts or updates. Just gossip.

[drummer]

Originally Posted by Dale

Certain Atlantans on SSP are SUPREMELY confident that Amazon is coming to Atlanta.

Did anyone else read: "Atlantians"...?

Maybe it's just me.

[urbancore]

I wonder if all the chatter on the interwebs today (regarding lawsuits against the finalist cities to disclose Amazon incentives) will lead Amazon announcing earlier than planned. I mean I bet Amazon always knew from jump street....so let’s hear it boys.

[We vs us]

Gossip: shorter list sometime this summer? August, even?

https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/...hittle-hq2-search-down-even-further.html

[urbancore]

I’ll say it again. Our biggest strength, over the coastal cities, is cheaper labor. That will be a huge factor. It is rarely mentioned, but trust me, labor is among their largest expenses. It matters. Also Austin is one of the safest cities in the US.

https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-metro-cities/

[urbancore]

https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/...ranking-of-amazon-hq2-finalists-and.html

[We vs us]

I feel like Austin will land on the short-short list, but ultimately lose -- purely because the city will refuse to put forward an incentive package of any value.

I know the state will offer incentives, and the city probably has a smallish number of economic development dollars earmarked that's untouchable by the council . . . but after watching the MLS process, I have no confidence that we're able to play ball in the arena that Amazon will demand.

And TBH, that hesitance seems in line with what Austinites generally feel. Everyone I talk to seems really conflicted about a potential HQ2, and probably wouldn't support crazy incentives, either. So . . . obviously we're still spitballing, but I'm not particularly confident we can manage the process of courting something the size of this.

[urbancore]

Originally Posted by We vs us

I feel like Austin will land on the short-short list, but ultimately lose -- purely because the city will refuse to put forward an incentive package of any value.

I know the state will offer incentives, and the city probably has a smallish number of economic development dollars earmarked that's untouchable by the council . . . but after watching the MLS process, I have no confidence that we're able to play ball in the arena that Amazon will demand.

And TBH, that hesitance seems in line with what Austinites generally feel. Everyone I talk to seems really conflicted about a potential HQ2, and probably wouldn't support crazy incentives, either. So . . . obviously we're still spitballing, but I'm not particularly confident we can manage the process of courting something the size of this.

I won't be shocked if we don't get it. I hover between 33-50% chance.

However, I stand by my belief that our incentive package is lower wages than most other cities on the list. I also think there is nothing that Poole, et al can do to derail the one of the richest, largest companies in the world from locating here if they so choose. Amazon should not need variances to build, and I bet they will bring there own "package" of goodies to the city...money/support for all sorts of COA programs/charities, etc.

Pool and Huston would be the only ones I can see that would bitch.

[Austinite101]

Originally Posted by Dcbrickley

I won't be shocked if we don't get it. I hover between 33-50% chance.

However, I stand by my belief that our incentive package is lower wages than most other cities on the list. I also think there is nothing that Poole, et al can do to derail the one of the richest, largest companies in the world from locating here if they so choose. Amazon should not need variances to build, and I bet they will bring there own "package" of goodies to the city...money/support for all sorts of COA programs/charities, etc.

Pool and Huston would be the only ones I can see that would bitch.

You forgot Alter, who is in many ways worse than Pool and Ora Houston. Also, any potential negotiations between Austin and Amazon would not be with the current council composition. I suspect the NIMBYs will gain seats on the council after the elections.

[Austin1971]

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/reta...zon-o-mania-texas-lands-top-couple-lists

Change of address:

Dallas and Austin made another short list this week: Which of the 20 HQ2 cities are people who live in Seattle moving to the most. Geekwire took the time to come up with the new list based on data from Redfin, a firm that tracks migration. Los Angeles is No. 1 followed in order by Austin, Dallas, New York and Chicago. Other cities had more Seattleites moving there, like Portland and San Francisco, but they aren't on the list of 20.

[freerover]

I can only see them coming if the land is outside the jurisdiction of austin city council.

[lzppjb]

I know a guy who moved his family to Seattle a few years ago to work for Amazon. They just recently moved back to McKinney.

[lzppjb]

Originally Posted by freerover

I can only see them coming if the land is outside the jurisdiction of austin city council.

Kyle!

[drummer]

Not that it would be ideal, but Mopac and 45 is in neither Austin nor Round Rock, right? That area, if it were ever developed, does have the Red Line running right through it on the west side, and could be pretty spectacular if done well.

[H2O]

Originally Posted by drummer

Not that it would be ideal, but Mopac and 45 is in neither Austin nor Round Rock, right? That area, if it were ever developed, does have the Red Line running right through it on the west side, and could be pretty spectacular if done well.

Robinson Ranch is in Austin's ETJ. When it gets annexed it will become Austin. There is already an annexation agreement in place that gives them entitlements similar to Downtown.

[abigdeal]

Originally Posted by freerover

I can only see them coming if the land is outside the jurisdiction of austin city council.

The side of goodness and light finally picked up a win on the soccer deal. Let’s hope that’s the start of something better.

[Novacek]

Originally Posted by H2O

Robinson Ranch is in Austin's ETJ. When it gets annexed it will become Austin. There is already an annexation agreement in place that gives them entitlements similar to Downtown.

It's not ETJ, it was already limited purpose annexed in 2004.

[We vs us]

Can't remember if this got posted back in April, but worth a scan. The article makes it sound like it's probably not a strong contender as an HQ2 site, even though it was on the original list submitted to Amazon.

https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/...h-owners-court-developers-for-7-000.html