Although Amazon recently announced its decision to “withdraw” from a $1.7 billion New York economic development deal, stakeholders continue to urge Amazon to reconsider its decision. Over the past 20 years as a policymaker, I have voted on over 1,000 economic development deals involving local or state government and large private companies. For me, the question on the Amazon New York deal is not whether New Yorkers want Amazon to come to Queens and create 25,000 jobs. But does the proposed economic development deal include clear, enforceable commitments from Amazon that make it a worthwhile investment? The memorandum of understanding (MOU) between New York and Amazon makes vague commitments to a workforce development program.

Source: Forbes March 07, 2019 23:15 UTC