Amazon has announced its top 20 list of finalists for its highly sought-after second headquarters, narrowed from 238 contenders. The competition is fierce and city officials are making it known why they think their city is the perfect match for the tech giant's new home.
Here's what they had to say.
Atlanta
No word yet from incoming mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Georgia Governor Nathan Deal said this:
Austin
"Austin is a special city and Amazon is a special company. I firmly believe that Austin and Amazon can help each other achieve solutions to our biggest challenges. Even as you assess our community's great assets, I ask you to look at our community's greatest challenges as an opportunity to help craft a story for Amazon and for Austin that will be told for a long time," Mayor Steve Adler said in a letter to Amazon posted on the Mayor's website.
Boston
Chicago
"The sites identified in Chicago’s bid for HQ2 demonstrate the region’s unparalleled potential to support Amazon’s future growth,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel in a news release reported by the Chicago Tribune. “The combination of these prime locations with the country’s most educated population, diversified economy and connected transportation system make it clear that Chicago is the ideal city for Amazon’s second headquarters as the company continues to expand.”
Columbus, Ohio
“We have only presented a vision, not the vision,” Mayor Andrew Ginther wrote in a letter to Amazon, as reported by The Daily Record. “The ultimate vision that we will realize together requires collaboration. It requires linking Amazon with Columbus business leaders, university leaders, community leaders, schools and the best planners and architects in the world to develop the shared vision of our future.”
Dallas
Denver
"Amazon is a leading innovator, and we’re excited about this headquarters expansion opportunity. This is a megaprospect, and we have already initiated conversations with our economic development partners at the state and regional level to thoroughly consider the best possible fit for Denver and the region,” said Denver Mayor Michael Hancock in a Denver Post story.
Indianapolis
Los Angeles
“L.A. is the perfect place for a company like Amazon to find talented workers, and an environment that nurtures growth and innovation,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said in an LA Times story.
Miami
Montgomery County, Md.
Nashville
Newark
“We have exactly what Amazon is looking for, in terms of expanding their company in a city that will help them grow and where it would have real social impact,” said Mayor Ras J. Baraka in an interview with the New York Times. “Newark is an opportunity to make a real statement, about what they’re trying to accomplish in the United States in the age of Trump.”
New York City
Northern Virginia
No word from incoming Virginia governor Ralph Northam.
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Raleigh, N.C.
“The City of Raleigh is excited and honored to be included among the finalists for Amazon HQ2. Raleigh is a thriving community that would be attractive for any business, large, or small. We are proud of the investments and partnerships we’ve made that enhance our many attributes, such as our world-class university system, well-trained workforce, diverse economy, strong infrastructure, and emerging entrepreneurial spirit. Raleigh’s commitment to the arts, public parks, and other core services has created an exceptional quality of life for all to enjoy. We look forward to sharing Raleigh’s unique story with Amazon in the near future and learning about next steps,” said Mayor Nancy McFarlane in a statement.
Toronto
Washington, D.C.
Call IndyStar mobile producer Amy Haneline at (317) 444-6281. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram: @amybhaneline and on Facebook.