NYC Submits Bid To Lure Amazon Headquarters

NEW YORK CITY — City and state officials submitted a joint bid Wednesday to be the home of Amazon's second headquarters, a spokesperson for the city Economic Development Corporation said. Specifics of the proposal, including where it would put the online retailer's workers and how much it would cost, will be released by Thursday morning, EDC spokeswoman Stephanie Baez told Patch in an email.

Cities across the country are competing to lure Amazon's "HQ2," which the firm says will create 50,000 jobs in whatever city wins its heart. The EDC has said received more than two dozen ideas last month from more than 40 different organizations.

Lights on the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center and other landmarks will be illuminated in "Amazon orange" from 9 to 9:15 p.m. Wednesday night to support New York's bid, the EDC said. Giant screens in Times Square and displays on the city's LinkNYC kiosks throughout the five boroughs will also turn orange.

Watch: Winning Amazon's HQ2 Sweepstakes Has Pros And Cons

"No city has stronger talent, greater diversity or a more dynamic economy," Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement. "We welcome today’s show of support from institutions, businesses and civic leaders united behind the city’s bid."

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The EDC also published a video Wednesday encouraging Amazon to put New York City in its "cart," touting the city's status as an economic center, highly educated workforce, mass transit system and cultural cachet. The ad quotes de Blasio and former Mayor Ed Koch.

New York faces stiff competition from cities around the country, including Newark, New Jersey, its neighbor across the Hudson River. Moody's Investors Service ranked Austin, Texas as the best choice for Amazon.

The city won't offer Amazon any incentives like the $7 billion package New Jersey has reportedly rolled out for Amazon, Baez said. But the company would be eligible for certain tax breaks and other benefits under state law, she said.

(Lead image via Pixabay)