NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - New Jersey’s largest city is in the running to become home to Amazon’s second headquarters.
Newark was among the 20 cities that Amazon announced on Thursday would advance to the next phase of the selection process. New York City and Philadelphia also are on the list.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said Thursday that Newark’s inclusion on the list was a “giant victory” for the city and touted its advantages including its close proximity to ports, airports and rail lines and its revitalized downtown area.
“Newark’s momentum has become unstoppable,” he said. “Amazon can be a powerful partner in helping to forge our future. At the same time, we can help Amazon move its people and products like no other city can.”
Former Republican Gov. Chris Christie signed legislation this month authorizing $5 billion in tax credits to lure Amazon, and the city is promising another $2 billion. Those inducements have sparked some criticism from both ends of the political spectrum as being too generous.
Newly inaugurated Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy said Thursday in a statement Newark’s selection as a finalist “proves New Jersey’s amazing strengths.” He said that while it was good news “our work is not done,” and that he would continue to press the case for Amazon to pick Newark. It’s not clear how he will make the case.
Amazon plans to invest $5 billion in the new headquarters and could employ as many as 50,000 people in and around the city it chooses. Cities are in fierce competition to lure Amazon, and the company said last year that it received 238 proposals.
Amazon.com Inc. said it will make a final selection sometime this year.
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