Columbus, OH -- The competition for Amazon's second headquarters has come to an end and after a year long courtship, Columbus will not be the trillion dollar empire's second home. The Midwest's fastest growing city was passed over for not one but two east coast meccas in New York City and Virginia's Crystal City just outside of Washington, D.C. But with every race, there's always room for growth---and hopefully a leg up, the next time around.
- 200 Applicants
- 20 Finalists
- Better Known as HQ2
Among more than 200 applicants--Columbus was one of only 20 cities chosen as finalists for Amazon's second headquarters, better known as HQ2. The new multi billion dollar facilities will employ up to $50,000 full time workers with an average salary of $150,000 a year.
With numbers like that it's no surprise Columbus wanted in but many are now looking at what they can get out of the year long preparation. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther releasing a video statement saying "The work we did in our proposal gives us a road map for our future and how we can tackle challenges that come with growth,
Affordable housing mobility and workforce development."
A city of progress boasting a diverse economy, bustling university, highly educated population, and a central location. Not to mention Columbus' growing reputation as a technology hub in the U.S. and an affordability factor that many of Amazon's top 20 could not contend with.
Teeing Columbus up for a wealth of new business opportunities echoed today by Columbus 2020 president and CEO Kenny McDonald saying "The level of competitive energy here has never been higher, and we're applying it to the work we're doing with dozens of companies that are working on plans to expand in the Columbus region."
Preparing the city's bid for Amazon HQ2 also served as a way to highlight areas that need improvement. One of the main requirements for the new headquarters was mass public transit, Columbus has a well established bus system but they were one of only a hand full of finalists without a subway system.
Another area to hover over is air connections across the country. Columbus just got its first nonstop flight to Amazon's OG headquarters in Seattle this past august. Something the president and CEO of the Columbus partnership focused on Tuesday saying "We must expand air service and add more direct flights. We must lead the way as the model smart city, building new technologies and advanced mobility options. "
Ending his statement with a sentiment many Central Ohio residents can agree with "There's never been a better time to be in Columbus. "