Bidding for Bezos: Raleigh, NC Mayor Weighs in on Amazon HQ2
Amazon plans to invest over $5 billion and create 50,000 jobs for its new headquarters. Amazon HQ2 could ultimately change the economic trajectory of the winning city for years to come. Nancy McFarlane, Mayor of Raleigh, North Carolina, was with us to discuss the city's chances.
Amazon culled its list down from 238 to 20, Raleigh among them. Mayor McFarlane shared what she believes landed her city on the short list. The Mayor stressed that Raleigh is a great environment for a tech company to grow. Tech jobs in Raleigh have grown 38.5% from 2010-2015, second only to San Francisco and ahead of Austin, Boston, and other innovation hubs.
Amazon's presence transformed the real estate market in Seattle. In July, home prices in the city increased 13.5% compared to last year, according to reports. Mayor McFarlane said it would be part of the discussion if Amazon were to move in because maintaining affordable housing is a priority, but careful planning would help avoid the displacement of residents.
The Food and Drug Administration has announced that the maker of a brand of eye drops linked to an outbreak of fatal bacterial infections failed to follow safety protocols.
Southwest Airlines Co. has announced the return of its "Companion Pass" offer, which allows the airline's "Rapid Rewards" members to designate a companion who can travel with them for free between August 15 and September 30.
German carmaker Volkswagen said it plans to introduce 25 new electric vehicle models through 2030. As that roll out begins in earnest, Pablo Di Si, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, provided Cheddar News with a breakdown of what consumers can expect from the line-up.
The market for rental apartment buildings is tumbling at its fastest-rate since 2009 in the wake of the Great Financial Crisis, according to a Washington Post report.
