Amazon’s ‘HQ2’ will bring strain as well as gain to winning city, say experts

Amazon spent a record $12.8 million lobbying the federal government in 2017. (Dreamstime)

SEATTLE: As the 20 shortlisted cities vying to host Amazon.com’s second North American headquarters hone their bids to attract thousands of high-paid jobs, they should also plan for rising housing costs and strains on infrastructure, experts said. 

The winning city should ensure community benefits, such as support for affordable housing, new schools and beefed-up public transport are part of any deal, said academics and city planners.