Since the search for a new headquarters was launched, Our Revolution-Arlington and other progressive organizations have been actively working to make sure that this…
Since the search for a new headquarters was launched, Our Revolution-Arlington and other progressive organizations have been actively working to make sure that this massive state gift to a company headed by the world’s richest person actually benefits our community.
Amazon, a trillion-dollar company, does not need taxpayers to foot the bill for its expansion. This model of economic development has led to the largest income inequality since the gilded age. If that weren’t enough, this deal was discussed entirely in secret.
This move could have a massively negative impact on our community, mirroring what is known as the “Amazon effect” in Washington state, where rents have exploded by 31 percent over the last five years, turbo-charging gentrification and creating a homelessness emergency.
Our view: Amazon chases skilled work forces, not low low-regulations
In the D. C. metro area, half of all renters are already enormously burdened, paying more than one-third of their incomes for housing. People cannot afford a 30 percent increase in rent in addition to dealing with an already strained transit system. Amazon, not taxpayers, should and must pay the taxes required to offset the costs for thousands of new commuters.
Amazon has, on several occasions, been accused of providing poor working conditions and fighting to stifle unionization among its workers. What’s more, it has a history of anti-competitive and monopolistic behavior, making it all the more troubling that state officials are willing to subsidize this type of work environment with our tax dollars.
We need a commitment to the people of Virginia from Amazon and state and local officials to provide safeguards against gentrification, homelessness, inequality, traffic congestion and overcrowded schools. We need local hiring preferences, career ladders, educational partnerships and community oversight on incentive packages. And we need much more affordable housing.
Roshan Abraham is an activist with the progressive organization Our Revolution in its Arlington, Va., branch near one of Amazon’s new headquarters. You can follow him on Twitter: @ roshabra.
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