After Amazon canceled plans to build part of its second headquarters in New York City, a coalition of residents and local politicians in Virginia are similarly calling on state lawmakers to reject the tech giant's plans for the state, according to NBC News.
Four things to know:
1. Amazon announced plans last year to split its second headquarters between New York City and Crystal City, Va. However, the company canceled its plans for New York City last week after criticism from several local and state politicians and public concern.
2. A coalition in Virginia called "For Us, Not Amazon" is similarly calling for transparency from the tech giant and politicians over the plan for HQ2, which was largely negotiated behind closed doors, according to the report. Opponents of the plan argue that the project will lead to gentrification and rising housing costs, and may negatively affect the region's immigrant and low-income communities.
"There has been no outreach to the low-income, working class, and black and brown communities of Arlington who will be most negatively impacted by Amazon's arrival," one community member who opposes Amazon's plans told NBC News. "A lot of people are really concerned about rising housing costs, Amazon's anti-union stance and workplace practices."
3. Under its deal in Virginia, Amazon is poised to receive $573 million in incentives for creating 25,000 jobs with an average wage of more than $150,000. The incentives are contingent on the company hiring for those roles during the next 12 years.
4. While some state politicians have publicly opposed the deal, many officials have come out in support of Amazon's plans, the report states.
To access the full report, click here.