Amazon to split HQ2 evenly between two cities
Nov 5, 2018, 11:52 AM | Updated: 1:58 pm
Large spheres take shape in front of an existing Amazon building, behind, as new construction continues across the street in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
The Wall Street Journal reports that Amazon will split its much-anticipated HQ2 between two yet-to-be-named cities.
RELATED: Amazon reportedly close to naming HQ2
Referencing “a person familiar with the matter,” the Journal cites the main motivation as the need to recruit top tech talent across multiple locales. This plan will split employees between the two headquarters at 25,000 each.
Amazon has yet to name the cities the two HQ2’s will reside in, but finalists reportedly include Crystal City in Virginia, New York City, and Dallas. Sources say a decision could come as soon as this week.
The Washington Post reported on Saturday that Amazon was close to naming its HQ2 location, but Crystal City was the only city named. According to Wikipedia, 20,000 people live in Crystal City, but 60,000 commute there. It has many satellite offices for the Pentagon and is home to the Environmental Protection Agency.
The Post had reported recent discussions about placing an HQ2 location in Crystal City include how to move employees, specific buildings, and how to make the announcement. The discussions have been more detailed than those of other front runners in the area.
The decision process has been going on since at least the end of 2017 when Amazon essentially launched a contest that sparked competition among cities across the world, including in Seattle and other areas across Washington state.
