FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
LaToya Foster (EOM) – (202) 727-5011; [email protected]
Chanda Washington (DMPED) – (202) 727-6698; [email protected]
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, Mayor Bowser officially announced that Washington, DC will submit a bid to attract Amazon’s second headquarters to the city. The Mayor made the announcement in a video that asks the question: Alexa, what is the best city for Amazon HQ2? The video highlights Washington, DC as a global capital city with a thriving tech sector, vibrant and creative neighborhoods, and a growing and expanding business community. The bid, which will be led by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), will engage community and business stakeholders in an effort to build on the collaborative and creative spirit of Washington, DC.
“For many reasons – the same reasons that nearly 1,000 people choose to move to our city each month – Washington, DC is an ideal location for Amazon HQ2,” said Mayor Bowser. “With our growing tech scene, talented and diverse workforce, and inclusive environment, Washington, DC is well-positioned to welcome Amazon.”
On September 7, 2017, via a Request for Proposals, the tech giant announced that they would be building their second headquarters in North America, with plans to grow 50,000 jobs and invest over $5 billion in construction. In response to the announcement, DMPED has begun an initial analysis of potential real estate sites for Amazon HQ2 and started engaging stakeholders in technology, real estate development, and across the region to begin crafting a proposal that showcases why one of the most recognizable companies in the world should expand into Washington, DC. The deadline to submit the proposal to Amazon is October 19, 2017.
In the video, Mayor Bowser highlights the attractiveness of Washington, DC, listing a number of the city’s accolades, including:
- #1 City for Women in Tech, Forbes 2017
- #1 Restaurant City, Bon Appetit 2016
- #1 Coolest City, Forbes 2014
- #1 Best City for Tech, SmartAsset 2016
- #1 for Women’s Employment and Earnings, 2016
- 1st LEED Platinum City in the World
Join the conversation on social media by using #ObviouslyDC. To view the Mayor’s video, submit ideas, and receive updates on Washington DC’s proposal, visit alexawhydc.com.
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Social Media:
#ObviouslyDC
Mayor Bowser Twitter: @MayorBowser
Mayor Bowser Instagram: @Mayor_Bowser
Mayor Bowser Facebook: facebook.com/MayorMurielBowser
Mayor Bowser Website: mayor.dc.gov
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