It’s a well-known fact that Seattle-based Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN) is searching for a city to build a second headquarters — where it expects to invest $5 billion to build and hire 50,000 people.
Denver’s bid for Amazon’s second headquarters is due by Oct. 16. and will reportedly feature eight possible sites, but won’t be padded with incentives. According to Denver Business journal, metro Denver’s bid will emphasize “a highly educated workforce, quality of life, global accessibility through Denver International Airport and a business-friendly environment.”
Amazon currently employs roughly 1,600 people in the Denver metro area, with 1,500 more to be hired next year when Thornton opens its 2.4 million-square-foot fulfillment facility. That facility was secured thanks to Colorado’s low business taxes, including no inventory tax, and Thornton’s speedy ability to deliver the necessary permits on projects. Qualities that the state hopes may lure Amazon once again, but on a much bigger scale.
“Timing and a business-friendly environment is the most important thing to them,” said Aurora Economic Development Council President Wendy Mitchell. “That is what they care about the most – that and the availability of a quality workforce.”
