What Detroit Has To Offer Amazon That No Other City Can

By: Juwan Outlaw CBS62/CW50 Intern

Earlier this month Seattle-based Amazon announced plans to build a second headquarters in North America. Amazon called upon cities interested in being the home of their new headquarters to submit a formal proposal by October 19th. Shortly after, numerous cities began working on their pitches to lure the multi-billion dollar company to their hometown, including our very own Detroit.

Yes, the Motor City plans to throw its hat into the ring to become the newest home for Amazon's headquarters. However, the competition is stiff.  Cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, and Toronto all vow to push hard for the new Amazon headquarters that is estimated to bring in as many as 50,000 high-paying jobs. According to their site, Amazon also plans on investing over $5 billion in construction for their "HQ2" site, viewing it as an "equal" to their original Seattle, Washington headquarters.

I know what you're thinking, "Why would Amazon choose Detroit?" Well, the answer might only be an Ambassador Bridge ride away. Detroit has something unique to offer Amazon other cities can't and that's access to the busiest international border crossing in North America. 25% of all merchandise trades between the United States and Canada come across our very own Ambassador Bridge. If that isn't enough, Detroit and Canada have already approved plans for building a second bridge named the Gordie Howe International Bridge that plans to start construction sometime in 2018.

Another reason to not rule out Detroit is the possibility of a joint proposal between Detroit and the city of Windsor for the Amazon Headquarters. According to The Windsor Star, Dan Gilbert the man spearheading Detroit's bid for the headquarters has been in constant contact with Windsor's Mayor Drew Dilkens about a potential joint proposal with Mayor Dilkens calling it a "game-changer." The joint proposal could vault Detroit into a serious contender for Amazon's next headquarters.

Stay Tuned.

Juwan Outlaw is a senior at Wayne State University studying Media Arts and Studies. Upon graduation, Juwan plans to pursue a career in television production.