Cities, state pushing for Amazon HQ2

California cities, with some potential help from the state, may soon be launching a full-court press to bring the second Amazon North American headquarters to the west coast and possibly Orange County.

State Assemblyman Bill Brough (R-72nd District) has announced that in the New Year he will introduce a bill to create a “California Economic Incentive Package” offering up to $1 billion in incentives to attract Amazon and other large employers to the Golden State.

The bill would be introduced as an urgency measure, which means it would go into effect once signed by the governor.

Garden Grove is partnering with Santa Ana, and Huntington Beach with Long Beach, in their bids to bring the online retailing giant to their cities. Other California communities with their hats in the ring include Bakersfield, Garden Grove, Irvine, Pomona and Vallejo, along with other regional bids.

They participated in a recent strategy session that, according to Huntington Beach Mayor Mike Posey, demonstrated a “united front” in attracting Amazon.

“If not Garden Grove,” said Garden Grove City Manager Scott Stiles, “let it be Orange County. If not Orange County, let it be Southern California. If it’s not Southern California, let it be California.”