Again, be careful what you wish for, Raleigh. The question we should be asking Amazon is “what will you do for us?”
Well, congratulations, Raleigh! You made the cut! You’re one of 20 cities that Amazon is considering for its second headquarters, better known as “HQ2.” (Best to get hip to the lingo if you want to stay in the game.)
Best, too, to know what you’re in for if you win the online retailer’s heart – the existence of which some Seattleites wonder about. Like Sasquatch, or sunshine past September.
But let’s not get into that just yet.
This civic lottery means one hell of a windfall: Amazon promises a $5 billion capital investment and 50,000 new tech jobs.
Win it, and the Triangle will be brimming with new energy, new money and that trademark Tar Heel satisfaction that comes from besting those bank nerds in Charlotte.
hBut I know the charm and ease of Raleigh; I lived there for 1994 to 1998. I know what’s at stake.
And I’ve lived in Seattle through Amazon’s explosive growth, which has been going on for several years and hasn’t let up.
Source: From Seattle, a former Raleighite advises about living with Amazon | News & Observer