See below for statements from Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA08) and Arlington County on the news that Amazon “would pause construction of HQ2 in Northern Virginia.” According to Rep. Beyer, “Monetary incentives were tied to economic benefits to the region and therefore have not and will not engage until established metrics are reached.“ Also, according to NBC4 (see screenshot, below), Arlington County Board Chair Christian Dorsey told the press this afternoon that “he’s not worried, feels Amazon will still honor [its] commitments.” On the other hand, the Democratic Party of Virginia (see below) immediately hit Gov. Glenn Youngkin for “having lost the Commonwealth thousands of jobs.”
Beyer Statement On Amazon HQ2
March 3, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) – Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement on Amazon’s announcement that it would pause construction of HQ2 in Northern Virginia:
“After the release of this morning’s news, Amazon staff assured me the company remains committed to HQ2 in Northern Virginia and providing the community benefits previously agreed upon.
“Amazon’s representatives said their first office buildings will open as scheduled in June to accommodate 8,000-employees. While this construction pause and hiring freeze are obviously concerning, Amazon says the impact on planned infrastructure investments announced as part of the HQ2 project will be less than some feared. I am told Amazon has committed to covering costs created by delays in school construction, and that the housing equity fund will be unaffected. Monetary incentives were tied to economic benefits to the region and therefore have not and will not engage until established metrics are reached.
“I will remain in contact with regional officials to monitor these developments as it is clear Amazon is not immune to economic pressures. The company should promptly update leaders and stakeholders about any new major changes in this project, which remains very important to the capital region.”
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Statement from Arlington County
“Arlington County values the ongoing partnership with Amazon throughout the creation of its second headquarters – HQ2 has always been a multi-year project, and it continues to be a long-term commitment to Arlington and Virginia. We’re confident Amazon remains committed to the second phase of the project – PenPlace – and its benefits to the community, including affordable housing and the exciting partnership with Arlington Public Schools for the Community High School. We remain committed to working with Amazon in the years ahead, and look forward to the opening of phase one – Met Park – later this year.”
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