HOUSTON – Amazon announced last month that it was launching a nationwide search for a place to open its second North American headquarters.
Since then, officials in nearly 20 metropolitan areas across the United States, including Houston, have been clamoring for the giant online retailer to call their city home. Proposals were due Thursday.
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While Houston leaders said they cannot disclose specifics of their bid because of a non-disclosure agreement, Draian Ward, a spokeswoman for Mayor Sylvester Turner, said she could discuss the highlights.
“We think we pair nicely with Amazon’s culture,” Ward said.
Here’s how Houston leaders are hoping to entice Amazon to set up shop in the Bayou City.
1. Innovation Corridor
“We are promoting Houston’s ‘Innovation Corridor,’ which is the center of a powerful social and economic convergence,” Ward said. “The Corridor offers access to Houston’s leading corporate headquarters, financial institutions, professional service firms along with key players in Houston’s innovation scene including tech startups, incubators and accelerators.”
2. Diversity
Turner frequently reminds Houstonians that they live in America’s most diverse city. Ward said that quality “adds a richness you will not find in many cities.”
3. Global economy
“Houston is home to key global industries, teeming with challenge and opportunity,” Ward said, referencing the industries of energy, health care, manufacturing, logistics and space. “These sectors are ripe for disruption, representing some of the richest opportunity sets for Amazon and its innovators.”
The developer of a master-planned community in northeast Houston called Generation Park said they also submitted a bid to Amazon. Click or tap here to see their proposal.
