FRESNO (KMJ) — There are now only 20 locations still in the running to be home to Amazon’s new headquarters.
The City of Fresno’s self-described “unique” bid failed to make the cut, but in a statement Mayor Lee Brand says it was always going to be a long shot.
“The nation took notice of Fresno’s unique HQ2 bid and we’re already seeing new interest from a number of major companies. Between our 10-year economic development plan and our new Business Friendly Fresno 2.0! Initiative, Fresno’s future looks bright as it ever has.”
When the local proposal was announced in October (click here to read more), Mayor Brand said it provided Amazon with the chance to become the ultimate corporate citizen.
“We call it ‘Amazon Community Fund.’ We propose to enter into a 100 year lease that will place 85% of every tax dollar generated by this project back to the communities.
“This fund will be jointly controlled by city officials and Amazon executives to build the infrastructure to sustain the HQ2 project for the community for next century.”
The locations that made the cut include Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Columbus (OH), Dallas, Denver, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Miami, Montgomery County (MD), Nashville, Newark, New York City, Northern Virginia, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Raleigh, Toronto, and Washington D.C..
Amazon is expected to announce the winner by the end of 2018. More about the company’s decision process can be found clicking here.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
