Amazon to Bring 800 New Jobs to Austin, TX

Construction work continues on a new office building at the Domain in Austin where Amazon plans to occupy 145,000 square feet and add 800 new employees. [NICK WAGNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]

As Amazon’s search for a second headquarters unfolded last year, the $5 billion development was a subject of much debate in Austin. Proponents touted the potential economic benefits if Amazon chose Central Texas, and those opposed to the massive project warned of its possible negative effects.

In the end, Amazon pleased both sides.

While the online retailer is not building its so-called HQ2 in Austin, it is planning to make a smaller — but still significant — investment in Central Texas.

Amazon announced on March 28 that it plans to add 800 jobs in Austin at a 145,000-square-foot office being constructed at the Domain. The expansion, Amazon said, is not tied to its decision in February to end its plans for placing half its HQ2 jobs in New York. The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce said the company is not receiving any financial incentives from the state or local governments for the new jobs in Austin.

Amazon’s planned expansion in Austin, experts say, demonstrates the tech hub’s growing ability to land job creation without paying for it.

Click here to continue reading…

SOURCE: Sebastian Herrera 
Austin-American Statesman