As cities across the nation join in the race for Amazon to build its second headquarters, Newark is among those hoping the retail giant will become the city’s next big employer.
Reports indicate that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is offering $7 billion in potential tax incentives for Amazon. The company said wherever it goes it would bring 50,000 jobs and invest $5 billion in construction.
In a speech he delivered this week with U.S. Sen. and former Newark Mayor Cory Booker and current Newark Mayor Ras Baraka by his side, Christie formally announced the city as the Garden State’s candidate.
“These two facts are clear: more job-creating incentive programs are a proven success for New Jerseyans and New Jersey business, and Amazon just flat out works and makes sense in New Jersey. In particular, with its thriving regional distribution centers here already, over 13,000 Amazon employees already working here in the State of New Jersey,” Christie said.
Baraka said Newark data and logistical infrastructure could help Amazon move its people and products like no other city could.
“Unquestionably, Newark has all that Amazon seeks, including something that’s not listed on the RFP, but which is at the core of social responsibility that the company is known for: the opportunity to accelerate the transformation of a great American city that is already experiencing enormous progress,” he said. “It’s time to say, ‘Yes, It’s Newark.’”
A rendering was unveiled of what Amazon’s campus could look like in Newark. It includes a redeveloped downtown and waterfront area. The company will make its final decision on where it will call its second headquarters home in 2018. Other cities, including Boston and Chicago, are also in the running.
Amazon would join several other major corporations that call Newark home, including IDT Corporation, Audible.com and Panasonic.