This article originally appeared on trustbelt.com.
With Amazon’s search for a second headquarters passing its first gauntlet – winnowing the list of potential winners from 238 to 20 – it seems like the perfect opportunity to take stock of where things stand. Takeaways after perusing the Top 20:
- Current favorite: Boston. While we’re sticking with Beantown, their uber-intelligent workforce, and that stellar proposal, the fact that three D.C.-area sites advanced to the next round is huge news. It doesn’t appear Bezos’ recent purchases of The Washington Post and a $20 million home in the nation’s capital were mere coincidences. D.C. is nipping at Boston’s heels.
- Biggest snub: Minneapolis. On many short lists, a major surprise this healthy, smart city wasn’t able to crack the Top 20.
- Super-hyped finalist I’m still struggling with: Make no mistake, Austin is a phenomenal city with well-earned economic development street cred that’s rising exponentially. We just don’t see HQ2 going to a red state with a workforce that’s on the small side compared to its major metro competitors.
- Biggest surprise finalist: Los Angeles. LA’s appearance on the list is not a major surprise, per se, but we’re stunned it’s the only West Coast city to make the list. This suggests Amazon’s growing entertainment division figures prominently in the company’s future.
- Early favorite that’s taken a hit: Denver. Being one of only two finalists west of the Rockies doesn’t bode well for this once-favored city.
- Dark horse: Philadelphia. With Pennsylvania as the only state to feature two finalists, both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia have earned their spot in the Top 20. Like Austin, I think Pittsburgh is too small, but Philly checks all the boxes.
- The city not to forget about: New York. Pundits claim NYC is too expensive, too congested, and too “New York” (whatever that means). The Big Apple is always a formidable candidate, and both the city and state have a history of getting aggressive for the right deal.
- Most tiresome spin: Cities and states that keep insisting incentives won’t be a major factor. The long-term economic impact of this 50,000 high-wage jobs, $5 billion project is going to be in the hundreds of billions of dollars for the victorious market. Make no mistake: The winner will be writing a 10-figure check to close this deal.
- Biggest Winner (so far): Amazon. The company initiated this very public selection process to create a seller’s market, and the strategy is working brilliantly. Look for more theater and at least two more drama-filled elimination rounds before we get to a winner sometime later this year.
- Biggest Loser: Cactus. Tucson sent Amazon a 21-foot cactus to show their love for HQ2. Not only did Tucson fail to make the cut – Amazon sent the cactus back to Arizona.