1. Amazon seeks bids for second headquarters location
In a press release Thursday, Amazon announced it is opening a search for a second headquarters to operate alongside its Seattle facilities.
With a $5 billion investment in the construction of Amazon’s second headquarters, the company would bring an estimated 50,000 jobs to the community selected.
Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere said in a statement that though the city does not typically openly comment on similar negotiations, “The components of a safe city, terrific schools and great quality of life along with close proximity to DFW Airport are all wonderful reasons why many companies have been attracted to Plano, and why I view us as a great candidate for consideration.”
McKinney Mayor George Fuller announced the city would be advancing efforts to attract the tech company to the area. The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce said it will also bid to bring Amazon to its city.
Amazon has listed the following nine criteria as some of the qualities it is seeking in prospective cities:
1. Metropolitan area with more than 1 million people
2. Within 45 minutes of an international airport
3. Located 1 to 2 miles away from major roadways
4. Access to mass transit
5. Estimated campus size is 8 million square feet
6. Economic incentives
7. Strong labor force and university system
8. Quick timetable for construction commencement
9. Cultural community/quality of life
2. After weeks of deliberations, Plano City Council to vote on city budget, tax rate
The Plano City Council will vote tonight on a measure to approve the 2017-18 budget, the city’s community investment program and the tax rate. The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at 1520 K Ave. and will allot time for comments from the public for a maximum of five minutes per speaker.
Read the full agenda here.
3. Third human case of West Nile
The third confirmed human case of West Nile prompted more mosquito sprayings throughout the city. Crews will spray Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 9 p.m. near the intersection of Hedgcoxe and Robison Roads, which is in the vicinity of where the patient who contracted the West Nile virus lives. Crews will also spray in the area near Huffman Elementary School, which produced a mosquito that tested positive for the West Nile virus.
