Impact of Amazon's HQ2 Location(s) Selection

Reports are out that Amazon has elected to split its HQ2 into two different locations: one in Arlington, Va. and the other in the New York City borough of Queens. Other areas under consideration have included the likes of Philadelphia. But with The City of Brotherly Love seemingly out of the mix, is it all doom and gloom? 

"This is not bad for the Philadelphia region as Amazon, which would bring good job growth, would put a strain on the area's infrastructure," said economics instructor David Fiorenza (pictured above). "Some of the new employees and transfers would be looking to move to this area which already has a low supply of housing. Most of the housing available is farther from the area where Amazon would have been located in Philadelphia."

Fiorenza also says that Philadelphia and Pennsylvania not having been chosen by Amazon will not need to subsidize or provide the tax credits and abatements  that might have been required , instead reserving them  for companies already existing in this area. 

He also says that the intense bids could impact other businesses that have strongholds in those cities and that audits will show down the road whether or not Amazon held up to their end of the bargain by offering the right amount of jobs and impact to the respective regions.

To speak with Fiorenza, click on his headshot above, email mediaexperts@villanova.edu or call 610-519-5152.