A study by the cable network CNBC gives one of three locations in the geographically broad area of “Charlotte/Raleigh-Durham/Greensboro-High Point” a decent chance at landing the much-sought-after second headquarters for Amazon, known as HQ2.
However the region’s incomplete transit system and hangover from the HB2 “bathroom bill” could hurt the Tar Heel State’s chances, according to the analysis, which uses the network’s 2017 America’s Top States for Business study as well as census data.
Other areas with solid chances of landing the $5 billion, 50,000-job total project include Washington, D.C., and Austin, Texas, the network said. Amazon is not commenting on current candidates, but has said it is looking for cities or regions of more than one million people, a creative atmosphere, diverse population, strong universities, and access to mass transit and a major airport.
“The three largest metropolitan areas in the Tar Heel State, each submitting bids, benefit from a state with one of the best workforces in the country and a heritage of innovation dating back to the Wright Brothers,” CNBC said.
“Counting against the state is a lack of mass transportation and a nagging lack of inclusiveness. North Carolina repealed the most controversial parts of its so-called bathroom bill, but it still lacks statewide protections
against discrimination and expressly bars them at the local level.”
Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane said Tuesday she has been aware that Amazon has stated a strong preference for a transit-rich area. The progress being made on the Wake County Transit plan might help change minds at Amazon, she said.
The Triangle sent off its bid on Oct. 17; it was assembled by a coalition of public and private interests.
