Amazon Adds Public Affairs Firms to Aid Efforts in Launching NYC HQ2

Amazon.com Inc. is bringing on public affairs help as it develops its HQ2 campus in New York City, reports the Wall Street Journal, which added that the company hired SKDKnickerbocker – which has offices in D.C.; New York City; Los Angeles; and Albany, NY – and “which has frequently consulted in Democratic political campaigns, to help with media relations, strategy and other public outreach, as well as Greenberg Traurig, whose lobbying team includes former New York City Councilman Mark Weprin.”

The WSJ post added that Amazon is developing a 4 million-square-foot campus in Long Island City, Queens. Amazon says it will employ at least 25,000 people there when the campus is fully operational. State and city lawmakers who represent the area have questioned the impact the new headquarters will have on the neighborhood and criticized the $3 billion incentive package the city and state offered the retailer.

In addition, Amazon has been building up its lobbying operation in Washington and spending more on advocacy groups. The company currently works with Yoswein New York, a public-affairs and lobbying firm, in New York City, where it is seeking city business for its cloud-based computing services.

New Amazon HQ2 corporate headquarters campuses have recently been announced for Long Island City, New York, and Crystal City, VA.

More here.