September 20, 2017

Mayor Emanuel Announces City Seeking Nominations for Amazon HQ2 Locations

Amazon HQ2 Expected to Generate $5 Billion of Investment and Create 50,000 Jobs

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Emanuel today announced the City of Chicago is seeking nominations for potential Amazon HQ2 locations to include in its formal response to the company’s search for a second home.
 
“We're looking for partners to put their best foot forward and help us determine which sites have the best potential to drive growth for Amazon and Chicago,” Mayor Emanuel said. “While we have many sites that meet Amazon’s requirements, there is only one city that offers unmatched potential for future success – Chicago.”
 
Nominated sites must meet Amazon’s requirements, which include 500,000 square feet of initial space and the ability to expand up to 8 million square feet of space over the next 10 years, according to the formal Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by the company earlier this month. The site should also provide direct access to mass transit and be located within 30 miles of a population center and 45 minutes of O’Hare Airport.
 
“Amazon HQ2 has the potential to create thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of investment in Chicago,” Department of Planning and Development (DPD) Commissioner David L. Reifman said. “The process will help ensure that everyone who has one or more sites that meet the high standards of the Amazon RFP will be considered for the City’s formal response.”
 
Only the property owner or an entity with site control may nominate a location for the City of Chicago’s Request for Nominations (RFN). Respondents must have demonstrated experience and wherewithal to perform and deliver a project that meets the requirements. Respondents are also encouraged to partner with other nominating entities.
 
Amazon’s Seattle headquarters include 8.1 million square feet in 33 buildings that support 40,000 company employees.
 
The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017. The RFN is available on the City’s web site at www.cityofchicago.org/dpd.

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