Summary

King County Executive Dow Constantine and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers announced a regional proposal to Amazon for its second headquarters. The potential sites are located in cities and tribal lands across King and Snohomish counties.

Story

King County Executive Dow Constantine and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers announced a joint response to Amazon’s call for proposals to locate its second national headquarters. 

This is a first step toward competing with other metropolitan areas as a region. To better support local companies and help employers start and grow businesses, regional leaders are working together closely to market the region internationally and domestically and recruit businesses large and small.

Sites in several regional cities and tribal lands will be included in the proposal. Individual entities may include incentives such as faster permitting and worker training grants. Details will be made available when the final proposal is transmitted to Amazon on Oct. 17.

Cities and tribes include:

• Arlington/Marysville Contact: Arlington Mayor Barbara Tolbert, 360-403-3441; Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring, 360-363-8000
• Bellevue Contact: Jesse Canedo, Economic Development Manager, 425-452-4873
• Bothell Contact: Jennifer Phillips, City Manager, 425-806-6140
• Everett Contact: Meghan Pembroke, Communications Manager, 425-257-8687
• Kenmore Contact: Bryan Hampson, Development Services Director, 425-398-8900
• Renton Contact: Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator, 425-430-6569
• Lynnwood Contact: Julie Moore, Communications Director, 425-670-5023
• Tukwila Contact: Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, 206-433-1832
• Tulalip Tribes Contact: Michael Greene, Media Relations Specialist, 360-716-4012

“Amazon’s announcement was the call to action we need to do our best work, to put aside parochial interests and small thinking and do what is right for workers and employers across the region and state,” said Executive Constantine. “This is not just about Amazon and its need to expand. This is about fostering an environment that helps us attract, retain, and grow great businesses. Our job, every day, is to go toe-to-toe with any metropolitan area in the nation and the world – and win.”

“Snohomish County is proud to join innovative, regional proposals for not only Amazon’s HQ2 but also other future economic development opportunities,” said Executive Somers. “Our region has the best workforce, highest quality of life, and all the infrastructure that any major company or small business could want. Exciting things are happening in Snohomish County, including light rail, commercial service at Paine Field, UW Bothell, WSU Everett, and lots of growth. Employers looking for a place to call home need look no further than the Puget Sound region.”

Quotes

Amazon’s announcement was the call to action we need to do our best work, to put aside parochial interests and small thinking and do what is right for workers and employers across the region and state. This is not just about Amazon and its need to expand. This is about fostering an environment that helps us attract, retain, and grow great businesses. Our job, every day, is to go toe-to-toe with any metropolitan area in the nation and the world – and win.

Snohomish County is proud to join innovative, regional proposals for not only Amazon’s HQ2 but also other future economic development opportunities. Our region has the best workforce, highest quality of life, and all the infrastructure that any major company or small business could want. Exciting things are happening in Snohomish County, including light rail, commercial service at Paine Field, UW Bothell, WSU Everett, and lots of growth. Employers looking for a place to call home need look no further than the Puget Sound region.

For more information, contact:

Alex Fryer, Executive Constantine's Office, 206-477-7966
Kent Patton, Executive Somer's Office, 425-388-3883

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