Minnesota will be 'restrained' in offering tax incentives to lure Amazon HQ

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton on Tuesday said the state will be "restrained" in offering tax incentives to lure a second Amazon headquarters, which would complete with local retail powers Target and Best Buy. Dayton said he called Target CEO Brian Cornell and Best Buy CEO Hubert Joly last week to tell them he valued their companies in Minnesota.

Last week, Seattle-based Amazon announced it’s exploring locations for a second headquarters, bringing $5 billion in spending and up to 50,000 people with it. The company is looking for a city with mass transit, easy airport access and a pool of tech talent. Amazon is accepting bids through next month and will make a final decision next year,

Gov. Dayton quickly directed his team to draft a proposal to bring Amazon's new headquarters to Minnesota. 

With as many as 50,000 new jobs possible for Minnesota workers and families, I have directed Commissioner Shawntera Hardy and the Department of Employment and Economic Development to work with city, regional, and state partners on a proposal to bring Amazon’s new headquarters to Minnesota." Gov. Dayton said in a statement. "With two current facilities in Minnesota, including a recent expansion in Shakopee, Amazon has already seen the benefits of Minnesota’s well-educated and world-class workforce, who live and work in strong communities with a high quality of life."

Industry experts believe the Twin Cities’ strong business community, educated work force and access to transportation make it a real contender.