The Hidden Cost of Trying to Land Amazon’s HQ2

Did officials’ focus on Amazon hurt Virginia’s chances for a $1 billion Micron plant expansion?

When semiconductor-maker Micron Technology Inc. approached economic-development officials in Virginia about a tax-incentive package for a $1 billion expansion of its Manassas site, it got the cold shoulder.

The state was too busy preparing its bid for Amazon.com Inc.’s second headquarters project, according to a person involved in the discussions. Now, the company is negotiating with officials in New York about taking the project—and the 500 new employees it would require—there, said the person.

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