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5 <br />KEY PREFERENCES AND DECISION DRIVERS <br />The below are our preferences and are not in a ranking order. We want to encourage you to think <br />big and be creative as you are collaborating to respond. Please address the drivers discussed <br />below in your RFP submittals. <br /> <br />Site/Building – As described herein, finding suitable buildings/sites is of paramount importance. <br />Amazon HQ2 is a transformational Project, and we must ensure we have the best real estate <br />options available whether this be a redevelopment opportunity, a partnership with the state, <br />province, local government, or new buildings. All options are under consideration. <br /> <br />Capital and Operating Costs – A stable and business-friendly environment and tax structure will be <br />high-priority considerations for the Project. Incentives offered by the state/province and local <br />communities to offset initial capital outlay and ongoing operational costs will be significant factors in <br />the decision-making process. <br /> <br />Incentives – Identify incentive programs available for the Project at the state/province and local <br />levels. Outline the type of incentive (i.e. land, site preparation, tax credits/exemptions, relocation <br />grants, workforce grants, utility incentives/grants, permitting, and fee reductions) and the amount. <br />The initial cost and ongoing cost of doing business are critical decision drivers. <br /> <br />Labor Force – The Project includes significant employment requirements at the threshold <br />compensation levels described herein and with corresponding educational attainment of the <br />available workforce. The Project must be sufficiently close to a significant population center, such <br />that it can fill the 50,000 estimated jobs that will be required over multiple years. A highly educated <br />labor pool is critical and a strong university system is required. <br /> <br />Logistics – Personnel travel and logistics needs, both from population centers to the Project site, as <br />well as between company facilities, are critically important. As such, travel time to a major highway <br />corridor and arterial roadway capacity potential are key factors. The highway corridors must provide <br />direct access to significant population centers with eligible employment pools. Travel time to an <br />international airport with daily direct flights to Seattle, New York, San Francisco/Bay Area, and <br />Washington, D.C. is also an important consideration. <br /> <br />Time to Operations – The Project requires an expeditious timetable for the location decision and <br />the commencement of construction. Given this, sites with the requisite access, utility <br />infrastructure, and zoning are critical. Please outline the permitting process and estimated <br />timetable to initiate Phase I of our operations. <br /> <br />Cultural Community Fit – The Project requires a compatible cultural and community environment for <br />its long-term success. This includes the presence and support of a diverse population, excellent <br />institutions of higher education, local government structure and elected officials eager and willing to <br />work with the company, among other attributes. A stable and consistent business climate is <br />important to Amazon. Please demonstrate characteristics of this in your response. We encourage <br />testimonials from other large companies. <br /> <br />Community/Quality of Life – The Project requires a significant number of employees. We want to <br />invest in a community where our employees will enjoy living, recreational opportunities, educational <br />opportunities, and an overall high quality of life. Tell us what is unique about your community.