Illinois gov., Chicago mayor ask Amazon to reconsider Chicago after scrapping NYC plans

Two top Illinois Democrats urged Amazon on Thursday to reconsider Chicago for possible expansion after the company scrapped plans for a new headquarters in New York City.

The Chicago Tribune reported that Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel explained in a one-page letter that Chicago has the workforce, transportation hubs and universities necessary to support Amazon should it decide to add operations in the Windy City.

“You should take another look at Chicago,” the letter said. “We will be happy to bring you back.”

{mosads}The city was previously a finalist for Amazon’s HQ2, though the company announced last month it would split its new headquarters between New York City and Northern Virginia.

The Tribune reported that Amazon already employs more than 12,000 people in Illinois, including a few hundred based in Chicago.

An Amazon spokesperson told The Hill that the company will not search for another location for its second headquarters after ditching plans to open a facility in New York City that was estimated to bring 25,000 jobs. Instead, the company will move forward with plans for a new headquarters in northern Virginia.

Amazon pulled out of New York City amid fierce backlash from some lawmakers who criticized the lucrative tax incentives given to the tech giant, and expressed concerns about its treatment of unions and potential to drive up living costs in Queens.