What Amazon HQ2 signals about the future of cities

Amazon’s unparalleled announcement that it will build a second headquarters has caught the attention of local officials, economic development professionals, and pundits across the U.S. and Canada. And for good reason: “HQ2,” as it’s being called, would create upwards of 50,000 high-paying jobs and billions of dollars of new investment in whichever city it locates in. The city that lands this historic deal will see its economic and physical landscape transformed, albeit very likely for a hefty price tag in the form of tax incentives.

On Thursday, October 19, the Metropolitan Policy Program and CityLab co-hosted an event to address the implications for all cities beyond this one transaction, and delve into what cities can learn from Amazon’s wish list concerning preparation for the disruptive nature of tech and retail, investment in local talent, quality infrastructure, and place-making. The event will feature a panel of leaders bringing expertise from tech, skills development, and economic development sectors.