Amazon was just looking to expand satellite offices, and used the HQ contest as a way to get free business info as to where to expand next. They were also looki

Amazon was just looking to expand satellite offices, and used the HQ contest as a way to get free business info as to where to expand next. They were also looking for generous tax breaks to allow them to operate leaner in high COL high talent areas. My guess is NY and NOVA areas were already being seriously considered and someone had the bright idea to turn it into a race to the bottom. Remember, as way back as 2016, Bezos was buying property in the DC area.