J U S T T H E RFP Questions and Port Covington Answers F A C T S : R F P Q & A Just the facts. All data was received, compiled and aggregated via numerous Baltimore City and Maryland stakeholders, as well as public sources, current as of October 2017. mm ?Innaw' .i /01 Port Covington is the largest shovel-ready, build to suit, technology-focused, environmentally friendly, mixed-use redevelopment project in the country. With such potential, what should the purpose of digital infrastructure be? It should enable the greatest impact for each visitor and resident, while also strengthening the public spirit. To achieve this mission, we must go beyond “smart” cities to create a place that is truly responsive—an approach we call Community as a Service. All data was received, compiled and aggregated via numerous Baltimore City and Maryland stakeholders, as well as public sources, current as of October 2017. A M A Z O N + B A LT I M O R E A unique point of view becomes a unique vision We’re headed toward a world in which physical and digital experiences are increasingly mixed, and Port Covington will be one of the world’s first communities to exist entirely within this physical/digital blend. Thoughtful applications of technology can improve every life, support every career, integrate every city service, enhance the bottom line of every business, and achieve optimal operational performance. At the same time, no one can predict what specific forms of technology the future will bring. But we can be ready to integrate them by embracing long-term thinking. Modularity is the key: hardware and software that can easily be upgraded as new tools become available. Frictionless and non-prescriptive, we are designing not only for relevance today, but also for continuous relevance decades from now—ensuring Port Covington is a community known for leading the human story. Port Covington is a community lab dedicated to innovation—a sandbox where new technologies will be invented, improved, and scaled over time. Our orchestration platform will enable frictionless journeys throughout Port Covington and our vision is to mature these systems to support a person’s life ambition, and serve the community at the same time. Port Covington is a community lab with purpose. As the people of Port Covington grow and flourish, the community will become a city. We are building a living lab designed to create a population dedicated to Port Covington by helping each individual find their stride, reach their full potential, and add value back to the community itself. The Port Covington lab will create the parts needed to achieve this vision, and create the integrated technologies that can be exported to other communities. OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES 1/ Technology should always be in service of authentic human experiences, not the other way around. 2/ The best interface is no interface—technology works best when it’s invisible or gets out of the way. Community as a Service (CaaS) will improve Port Covington and Baltimore. Working with Amazon, we can do more. What is CaaS? At its heart, a city is a system of systems—just like many of the technology platforms with which we are most familiar, including AWS. But what if, like those platforms, we could infuse Port Covington itself with SDKs and APIs that our businesses and citizens could plug in and out of, to mutual benefit? As a pioneer of PaaS, Amazon is a natural fit for CaaS. Should you choose to make your headquarters at Port Covington, you have the opportunity to partner with us to shape it and redefine the great American city of the future, and a community that supports its workers and residents in each aspect of their lives. An Amazon employee may have many ambitions such as better parenting, career advancement, or even running a marathon. Port Covington will help them achieve these goals by providing orchestration on both the macro level (such as streamlining their work schedule with their daughter’s soccer practices with their training regimen) and at the micro level (such as offering new course routes suited to daily goals like speed, distance, or endurance). How is CaaS More Advanced than a Run-of-the-Mill “Smart” City? Unlike many communities that have already been built, Port Covington is a blank slate, in terms of physical, digital and policy infrastructure. Without the challenge of legacy infrastructure and practices, we are planning holistically for the long term, creating a substrate for innovation and for physical asset classes that won’t change over time­—such as hollow streets for fiber today and the next generation of connectivity decades from now. We envision a “responsive” community that is intelligent because it is able to listen from the bottom up—matching the needs of each individual in real-time and longitudinally. With an expansive compliment of sensing and communication, backed by a service bus architecture to support orchestration, and lastly a thoughtful use of machine learning to provide the most accurate assistance with any goal—we believe that we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a portable platform for all communities. 3/ The right solutions should not depend on any one particular vendor— agnosticism and openness is the way to sustain an environment of innovation. All data was received, compiled and aggregated via numerous Baltimore City and Maryland stakeholders, as well as public sources, current as of October 2017. J U S T T H E FAC T S /03 How do we design for such a vision? We started by creating a Digital Master Plan. A forward-looking community wouldn’t build physical assets without a master plan. Why not treat digital assets with the same foresight and care? In designing Port Covington we took the proactive step of commissioning a Digital Master Plan, analogous to and working in tandem with our physical master plan, an overarching North Star helping our workers, residents, and visitors improve and shape their lives. We started by identifying and prioritizing the desired human experiences that are beneficial to customers today in a way that positions the community and city’s resources well for the distant future. Our methodology accounts for legacy infrastructure, lays a foundation, and seeks to maximize impact of initiatives. This holistic, long-term view created a roadmap for how technology can positively impact issues like transit, urban mobility, deprogramming of space, safety, security, responsiveness, and the like. All data was received, compiled and aggregated via numerous Baltimore City and Maryland stakeholders, as well as public sources, current as of October 2017. A M A Z O N + B A LT I M O R E Major Digital Master Plan outcomes Six Evergreen Capabilities We found that there are six evergreen capabilities that, if provided by a robust technological infrastructure, will enable Port Covington to be as future-proofed as possible­—integrating both legacy systems and future innovations yet to be invented. CONNECTIVITY TRANSACTIONS EXAMPLE COMPONENTS EXAMPLE COMPONENTS User Interfaces / Fiber / Wifi / Distributed Antenna System Point of Sale / Mobile Wallet Integration / Loyalty Payment Programs RECOGNITION SENSING EXAMPLE COMPONENTS EXAMPLE COMPONENTS Content Management System / Customer Relationship Management / Ad Serving Environmental Sensors / Operation Sensors / Cameras LOCATION INTEGRATION EXAMPLE COMPONENTS EXAMPLE COMPONENTS Geolocation / Routing Integration Services Bus / Application Programming Interface / Software Development Kit All data was received, compiled and aggregated via numerous Baltimore City and Maryland stakeholders, as well as public sources, current as of October 2017. /05 J U S T T H E FAC T S Integration Platform Point-to-point solutions can create an “accidental architecture” that frequently make upgrades costly and integrations difficult. By contrast, Port Covington’s technological infrastructure will be driven by a sitewide integration platform that enables all current and future experiences, and on which innovation can be executed. P L A T F O R M All data was received, compiled and aggregated via numerous Baltimore City and Maryland stakeholders, as well as public sources, current as of October 2017. A M A Z O N + B A LT I M O R E Community platform for all Architecture for integration with Port Covington systems, city and state systems, and Amazon-specific digital infrastructure. PLAN BUILD OPERATE LEARN Amazon Real Estate, BIM, and ERP Systems Amazon Construction Management Systems Amazon Campus Operations Systems New Amazon Products Port Covington Products Amazon New Product APIs Secure, Dedicated Amazon API Layer Port Covington Product Innovation API Layer PORT COVINGTON SERVICES MIDPLANE Message Routing and Infosec Controls Orchestration and Mediation Business Rules, informed by Machine Learning Normalized Events and Data Emergency Management Center Transit and Traffic Management Systems Community and Event Calendars / Promotions Permitting and Regulatory Systems Education and Public Service Data Health and Safety Systems Public Sensors and Cameras Retail and Commerce Systems Utilities and Energy Management Systems LEGEND Amazon Systems Municipal Systems Port Covington Systems All data was received, compiled and aggregated via numerous Baltimore City and Maryland stakeholders, as well as public sources, current as of October 2017. Outdoor Programmatic Messaging Energy Management Systems CRM and Tenant Management Systems Property Management Systems Concierge and Amenity Systems Sensing and Behavioral Analytics Security and Access Control Systems R. House is the home of ten chefs who believed that coming together to launch their restaurants together was better than launching them alone. Their kitchens surround a 250-seat food hall with roll-up garage doors, booths, communal tables, and a neighborhood bar at the center of it all. This is your living room, your kitchen, your office, your hangout spot, your Baltimore stoop, your happy place. It’s R. House. r.housebaltimore.com All data was received, compiled and aggregated via numerous Baltimore City and Maryland stakeholders, as well as public sources, current as of October 2017. SOMETHING BIG IS HAPPENING IN BALTIMORE. EXPERIENCE THE CITY OF THE FUTURE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS. Visit buildportcovington.com to explore more. #b e par tof th espark A M A Z O N + B A LT I M O R E Q/ Q/ Q/ Why is Port Covington the best real estate option for Amazon? Is Port Covington a certified or shovel-ready greenfield site or infill opportunity with appropriate infrastructure and ability to meet the Project’s timeline and development demands? What will the overall proximity of the buildings be at full build-out? If you can imagine it, the Port Covington team can build it. Port Covington is shovel-ready with a big-thinking master development team and the experience and creativity to execute complex projects. With an approved master plan, matter-of-right zoning and infrastructure funding, Amazon can start customizing HQ2 from day one, with multiple options for 500,000 square feet of initial construction. Approved in the fall of 2016, a $660 million Tax Increment Financing package, supported by city officials and community leaders, allows for funding of public infrastructure without tapping into the city’s general fund or raising property taxes. With its size, flexible master plan, tech-forward design, and commitment to sustainable, environmentally-friendly growth, Amazon will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to design a space from the ground up that reflects its culture and values, employee needs, and vision for the future of retail and e-commerce. With other visionary businesses and partners, Amazon and Port Covington can create an innovative live, work, play atmosphere that will redefine what an urban corporate and retail space can be. Q/ How do the potential buildings and sites meet the RFP criteria for Phase 1? Amazon can choose to use an existing building or construct a new build for Phase 1. Expanding Schuster Concrete building Built in 1920, the former Schuster Concrete building stands 70 feet tall and is one of Port Covington’s most visible structures from Interstate 95. The brick tower, masonry, and metal warehouse structure is complemented by loftstyle windows and its recognizable red roof. Currently, the facility is 97,000 square feet but can easily be expanded to 500,000 square feet with the introduction of four floors behind the original façade. The property’s location, adjacent to Port Covington’s bike path and proposed waterfront park system, allows the project to spread horizontally to include annexes or additions to the original structure. Full utilities, including a segment of Port Covington’s fiber loop, are already onsite and available. This location, an easy walk or bike ride from Federal Hill and other parts of South Baltimore, is proximate to City Garage and West Covington Park and very close to the planned light rail spur serving Port Covington. New construction As an access point to Port Covington, McComas Street is ideally suited for large-scale, brightly lit facades and structures. Parking structures on this street will have podiums for tall buildings with 360-degree views of downtown and the Inner Harbor. Illuminated facades with coordinated imagery will make walking in this district dynamic, engaging and exciting. These blocks can easily accommodate 500,000 square feet of new office construction. Port Covington is a shovel-ready, 235-acre master-planned, flexible, technology-focused, mixed-use urban redevelopment project already underway on the waterfront shores of Baltimore City. There are 177 acres of available land on which Amazon can build. At completion, the entire Port Covington redevelopment will include: up to 18 million square feet of new, mixed-use development; 2.5 miles of restored waterfront; and 40 acres of parks and green space. As a virtual blank slate, Port Covington offers the opportunity to materially expand the size of a major U.S. city from the ground up. However, unlike in many other cities, Port Covington comes with a previously-approved $660M Tax Increment Financing (TIF) package, passed by the City Council in 2016, as one of the largest TIF packages ever in the United States. A city-wide community benefits agreement has already been negotiated for the entirety of Port Covington, as well as the establishment of an enterprise zone. Additionally, 100 of the 177 acres in the mixed-use development area have unlimited height and density rights. Time to operations and permitting process Port Covington is uniquely positioned to meet Amazon’s criteria and expeditious timetable as it offers an approved master plan, matter-of-right zoning and already-approved infrastructure funding. The only decision left to make is how Amazon wants to shape the infrastructure. Sectioning has been completed on multiple groups of lots with much of the site available for subdivision and construction. The City of Baltimore has committed to dedicating a high-level, designated permit expediter for Amazon. Additionally, the development team performing this work is highly proficient and able to complete complex subdivisions in record time. This work can proceed concurrently with infrastructure and building designs. The team’s composition and close coordination enables compressed and concurrent scheduling rather than linear processes, saving time and money. The entire, self-contained Port Covington peninsula spans 2.5 miles of waterfront and approximately 42 city blocks. Aspirational and bold, the master plan for Port Covington lays out a vision for a vibrant and dense, but walkable, urban community that prioritizes pedestrians and bicycles. A key objective of the plan is to create a livable, walkable urban environment. The Port Covington development team has worked hard to maintain as much flexibility in the design, uses, and block planning as possible to accommodate the most aggressive and innovative development scenarios. The Port Covington peninsula allows for Amazon to be flexible and creative in its design process for its corporate campus, with the ability to cluster office buildings and amenities together or weave them throughout a larger set of streets, avenues, parks, and promenades. Q/ What options exist (like sidewalks, bike lanes, trams, metro, bus, light rail, train, and others) to foster connectivity between buildings and facilities? Port Covington will be efficiently and conveniently served by multiple modes of transit, including innovative, environmentally-friendly ways to explore Baltimore and the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River. Whether by water taxi, rail, bus, bike, trails, pedestrian pathways, car or other creative options, Port Covington will accommodate all who want to work, live or play in or around Baltimore City and Amazon HQ2. And with expanded transit routes, additional stops, and integrated digital technology, Port Covington will connect neighbors and neighborhoods in new and exciting ways. Existing utilities Port Covington’s existing utility infrastructure includes substantial capacity and can absorb four million square feet of new development. Existing fiber, electrical and communications conduit, sanitary, water, storm water and gas are available in a full loop through the site. Additional capacity and new, extended utilities are currently in planning and design. In Baltimore City, water, sanitary and storm water are public utilities. Gas, electric, fiber and communications are private. The City’s public streets carry Verizon and Comcast as well as BGE gas and electric service. Private utilities will run in a private right of way on each block parallel to the public right of way and will provide additional communications and utility opportunities. Baltimore City’s public utilities and BGE have been proactively engaged in the planning and design of new infrastructure and a new electric substation to serve Port Covington and South Baltimore. These partners have been at the table for more than two years and the design and planning teams have scheduled the additional infrastructure capacity to be in place, ready for each development lot, prior to lot development. All data was received, compiled and aggregated via numerous Baltimore City and Maryland stakeholders, as well as public sources, current as of October 2017. Q/ What’s the fiber connectivity like? The backbone of Port Covington’s technology platform is a redundant fiber optic loop, providing a reliable and state-of-the-art gigabit internet connection with direct connections into two of the most secure data-centers in the metropolitan area. Port Covington is also directly adjacent to the TE Subsea Communications headquarters and fleet, an industryleading pioneer specializing in undersea fiber-optic communications, having deployed over 490,000 kilometers of undersea cable around the world. Amazon’s proximity to TE Subsea Communications headquarters would give it the ability to establish a direct fiber-optic connection to anywhere in the world. Currently, a 144-pair single-mode fiber enters Port Covington with significant dark fiber via the Inter-County Broadband Network (ICBN), a statewide initiative providing backbone /011 J U S T T H E FAC T S fiber and backhaul connectivity to major colocation sites and connecting Port Covington to Baltimore City and other Maryland counties. Internal to Port Covington will be a single-mode fiber mesh backbone providing interconnectivity between buildings allowing for dark fiber connectivity. The robust fiber network will also provide for a site-wide, gigabit speed public WiFi connection. This fiber connectivity strategy will ensure that Port Covington can meet the bandwidth and connectivity needs of businesses and residents, including Amazon HQ2.  Q/ What’s your commitment to sustainability at the proposed site? Port Covington, like Amazon, is committed to using its scale and inventive culture to find innovative ways to promote environmental protection. That’s why Port Covington is being built from the ground-up on the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River with a dedication to sustainability and ecological uplift. Development on the Port Covington peninsula is being designed to increase environmental awareness and restore the estuary as an urban wilderness and recreational resource for all City residents. With more than 40 acres of dedicated, open green space interwoven throughout the peninsula, Port Covington will have world-class parks, comprehensive running and biking trails and other waterfront and lifestyle amenities. The Port Covington team believes that respecting and revitalizing open spaces works to connect people to the environment around them. Just as Amazon invests in frictionless commerce, sustainable building design, frustration-free packaging, and a commitment to 100% renewable energy use, employees and visitors will find that nearly everything designed at Port Covington has been addressed with the same care and commitment. Q/ Q/ What’s the current ownership structure of the property? Who controls it? What’s the current utility infrastructure for the site? The Port Covington project is owned and controlled by a joint venture between Sagamore Development Company and Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group. Sagamore Development is a privately-held, full-service real estate firm founded in 2013 by real estate developer Marc Weller, and Under Armour Founder, Chairman and CEO Kevin Plank. The senior management team at Sagamore Development has over 100 years of collective experience acquiring, entitling, developing and financing largescale development projects. Since 2013, Sagamore has completed nearly $200 million of ground-up development or redevelopment projects. The partners in the Port Covington joint venture have invested in and executed on billions of dollars of development, vertical construction and infrastructure. Sagamore Development Company either owns fee simple or controls the majority of the 177 acres of mixed-use land, with the balance owned by the City, State and CSX (freight rail). Sagamore has the full cooperation of the municipalities with respect to completing the assemblage. In addition, Sagamore Development sold 58 acres to Under Armour in July 2016 which the company will develop into its future Global Headquarters based on the company’s growth.    Is there optimal cell service and coverage? Port Covington, and the Baltimore/ Washington in general, is favorably located proximate to several cell towers which provide excellent service to the five largest wireless communication providers; which include Verizon Wireless, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Cricket Wireless. There are currently no gaps in coverage within a 40 mile radius of Port Covington. See thismustbetheplace.city/cell-service for service maps.   Existing fiber, electrical and communications conduit, sanitary, water, storm water, and gas are available in a full loop through the site. Additional capacity and new, extended utilities are currently in planning and design. In Baltimore City, water, sanitary, and storm water are public utilities. Gas, electric, fiber, and communications are private. The City’s public streets carry Verizon and Comcast as well as BGE gas and electric service. Private utilities will run in a private right of way on each block parallel to the public right of way and will provide additional communications and utility opportunities. Baltimore City’s public utilities and BGE have been proactively engaged in the planning and design of new infrastructure and a new electric substation to serve Port Covington and South Baltimore. These partners have been at the table for more than 2 years and the design and planning teams have scheduled the additional infrastructure capacity to be in place, ready for each development lot, prior to lot development. Q/ Q/ What’s the current zoning of the site? Port Covington is uniquely positioned to meet Amazon’s criteria and expeditious timetable as it offers: • A 235-acre, master-planned waterfront Peninsula; 177 acres available to Amazon for mixed use development Q/ Port Covington’s existing utility infrastructure includes substantial capacity and can absorb four million-square-feet of new development. • Adjacent to the 50-acre site on Port Covington, owned by Under Armour for their future Global Headquarters • Up to 18 million-square-feet of master-planned, but flexible, mixed-use development; 14.1 million square feet available for Amazon’s use • Approved matter-of-right zoning entitlements which allow for a myriad of uses • Four newly-adopted zones in Port Covington provide exceptional flexibility and versatility with respect to use, density and height • Unlimited height and density on 100 of the 177 acres in the mixed-use development area of Port Covington (areas north of Cromwell and east of Hanover Streets) • Parking requirements to be calculated on a site-wide basis versus a typical parcel basis • New zoning legislation which became effective June 5, 2017 Do the existing buildings (if any) of at least 500,000+ sq. ft. meet the core requirements outlined in the RFP, and are they expandable or have additional options for development nearby? Yes. Amazon can choose to use an existing building or construct a new build for Phase 1. Expanding Schuster Concrete building Built in 1920, the former Schuster Concrete building stands 70 feet tall and is one of Port Covington’s most visible structures from Interstate 95. The brick tower, masonry, and metal warehouse structure is complemented by loftstyle windows and its recognizable red roof. Currently, the facility is 97,000 square feet but can easily be expanded to 500,000 square feet with the introduction of four floors behind the original façade. The property’s location, adjacent to Port Covington’s bike path and proposed waterfront park system, allows the project to spread horizontally to include annexes or additions to the original structure. Full utilities, including a segment of Port Covington’s fiber loop, are already onsite and available. This location, an easy walk or bike ride from Federal Hill and other parts of South Baltimore, is proximate to City Garage and West Covington Park and very close to the planned light rail spur serving Port Covington. New construction As an access point to Port Covington, McComas Street is ideally suited for large-scale, brightly lit facades and structures. Parking structures on this street will have podiums for tall buildings with 360-degree views of downtown and the Inner Harbor. Illuminated facades with coordinated imagery will make walking in this district dynamic, engaging and exciting. These blocks can easily accommodate 500,000 square feet of new office construction. All data was received, compiled and aggregated via numerous Baltimore City and Maryland stakeholders, as well as public sources, current as of October 2017. A M A Z O N + B A LT I M O R E Q/ Q/ Q/ Is there a greenfield site of approximately 100 acres certified or pad ready, with utility infrastructure in place? What’s the permitting process and estimated timetable to initiate Phase 1 of Amazon’s operations? What incentives are offered by the state and local community? Port Covington is a shovel-ready, 235-acre master-planned, flexible, technology-focused, mixed-use urban redevelopment project already underway on the waterfront shores of Baltimore City. There are 177 acres of available land on which Amazon can build. At completion, the Port Covington redevelopment will include: up to 18 million square feet of new, mixed-use development; 2.5 miles of restored waterfront; and 40 acres of parks and green space. Existing utilities Port Covington’s existing utility infrastructure includes substantial capacity and can absorb four million square feet of new development. Existing fiber, electrical and communications conduit, sanitary, water, storm water and gas are available in a full loop through the site. Additional capacity and new, extended utilities are currently in planning and design. In Baltimore City, water, sanitary and storm water are public utilities. Gas, electric, fiber and communications are private. The City’s public streets carry Verizon and Comcast as well as BGE gas and electric service. Private utilities will run in a private right of way on each block parallel to the public right of way and will provide additional communications and utility opportunities. Baltimore City’s public utilities and BGE have been proactively engaged in the planning and design of new infrastructure and a new electric substation to serve Port Covington and South Baltimore. These partners have been at the table for more than two years and the design and planning teams have scheduled the additional infrastructure capacity to be in place, ready for each development lot, prior to lot development. Port Covington is uniquely positioned to meet Amazon’s criteria and expeditious timetable as it offers an approved master plan, matter-ofright zoning and infrastructure funding. The only decision left to make is how Amazon wants to shape the infrastructure. Sectioning has been completed on multiple groups of lots with much of the site available for subdivision and construction. The Maryland Department of Commerce has requested that the state incentives portion of this RFP remain confidential at this time. For any questions related to this, please contact Allison Mayer at the MD Department of Commerce. The City of Baltimore has committed to dedicating a high-level, designated permit expediter for Amazon for its potential Port Covington HQ2 location. Additionally, the development team performing this work is highly proficient and able to complete complex subdivisions in record time. This work can proceed concurrently with infrastructure and building designs. The team’s composition and close coordination enables compressed and concurrent scheduling rather than linear processes, saving time and money. Design approval processes in Baltimore City include a simple application for development and a meeting at the Planning Department followed by site plan and design reviews. The Site Plan Review Committee meets weekly and typically requires two meetings for final approval. Design review is determined by the Planning Department to require either the public panel review (which is advisory in nature) or staff level, and our team is well-versed in both processes. Design required is consistent with schematic design with certain features, colors or materials identified, though not rising to the level of a design development phase. The preliminary design and site plan phase can be achieved in three months. Baltimore City transitioned to an electronic permit review process and has assigned specific points of contact in agencies to expedite and facilitate the Port Covington project permits. The development-friendly nature of the zoning on site, which includes a vast array of uses, zero setbacks, no floor area ratio requirements, and unlimited height for most of the development areas, means by-right entitlement to submission of permits. Q/ Why would Maryland make a business-friendly environment for Amazon? The State of Maryland offers a variety of tax exemptions and credits, including exemptions targeted at making the state and Baltimore one of the nation’s­—and world’s—most businessfriendly regions. All data was received, compiled and aggregated via numerous Baltimore City and Maryland stakeholders, as well as public sources, current as of October 2017. Local support • $660M already approved TIF for Port Covington • $100 million city-wide community benefits agreement already negotiated Additional property tax incentives Brownfield property tax credits Most of Port Covington will be eligible for brownfield property tax credits because of the land’s historical industrial use. Upon completion of any remediation requirements by the Maryland State Department of the Environment (MDE), and assuming the combined remediation and acquisition costs exceed $250,000, each property parcel will be eligible for brownfield credits for 10 years beginning after the MDE-approved remediation is completed. The amount of the credit is 70% of any remaining taxes payable after application of any other credits throughout the ten-year period. For example, a property eligible for both enterprise zone credits of 80% and brownfield credits of 70% will have a combined credit equal to 94% during the first 5 years. In addition, the brownfield credit is available for application to state property taxes as well. Pre-existing Westport TIF Port Covington’s developer, Sagamore Development, owns approximately 43 acres of waterfront land located directly across the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River in the Westport neighborhood. The property has direct access to I-95 and is adjacent to a light rail station that will eventually be home to an additional light rail spur to Port Covington. A bike and pedestrian connection between Port Covington and Westport will be constructed, to be financed through public and private contributions. Westport is approved for approximately $160M of Tax Increment Financing for the construction of infrastructure associated with an approved 6.5MM SF mixed-use plan. This could be a potential nearby expansion opportunity for Amazon if needed in the future. /013 J U S T T H E FAC T S Q/ Q/ What are the individual incentive programs? What are the labor market, wage rates, and talent pool like? Baltimore is the epicenter of talent, education, and hard work. A Baltimore Amazon HQ2 would be at the heart of the nation’s most educated, highly skilled, diverse and industrious workforce. The Maryland Department of Commerce has requested that the state incentives portion of this RFP remain confidential at this time. For any questions related to this, please contact Allison Mayer at the MD Department of Commerce. Years of investment into Maryland schools, and collaboration between government, private enterprise, academia, the military, and venture capital has paid off. The result, according to a new workforce analysis, is a talent-rich and talent-producing environment capable of creating, attracting and sustaining a large, diverse workforce for the HQ2 project now and in the future. Local support • $660M already approved TIF for Port Covington • $100 million city-wide community benefits agreement already negotiated Additional property tax incentives Brownfield property tax credits Most of Port Covington will be eligible for brownfield property tax credits because of the land’s historical industrial use. Upon completion of any remediation requirements by the Maryland State Department of the Environment (MDE), and assuming the combined remediation and acquisition costs exceed $250,000, each property parcel will be eligible for brownfield credits for 10 years beginning after the MDE-approved remediation is completed. The amount of the credit is 70% of any remaining taxes payable after application of any other credits throughout the ten-year period. For example, a property eligible for both enterprise zone credits of 80% and brownfield credits of 70% will have a combined credit equal to 94% during the first 5 years. In addition, the brownfield credit is available for application to state property taxes as well. Pre-existing Westport TIF Port Covington’s developer, Sagamore Development, owns approximately 43 acres of waterfront land located directly across the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River in the Westport neighborhood. The property has direct access to I-95 and is adjacent to a light rail station that will eventually be home to an additional light rail spur to Port Covington. A bike and pedestrian connection between Port Covington and Westport will be constructed, to be financed through public and private contributions. Westport is approved for approximately $160M of Tax Increment Financing for the construction of infrastructure associated with an approved 6.5MM SF mixed-use plan. This could be a potential nearby expansion opportunity for Amazon if needed in the future. Maryland is home to a highly skilled labor force of over 3 million workers, with the highest concentration of professional and technical workers in the United States. The Greater Baltimore region has a higher concentration of resident workers across the entire spectrum of skilled occupations required by a corporate headquarters location, especially in the targeted area of IT workers. Economically and geographically linked to the greater Washington, D.C. area, Baltimore has access to an extraordinary pool of talent all along the East Coast. For Amazon, this will provide an ever-growing, talent-rich environment in which to recruit IT/IS workers, engineers, software developers, and information security analysts. For a detailed analysis for relevant labor and wage information for Baltimore, Maryland and Port Covington, visit: thismustbetheplace.city/resources/ Sources: Baltimore Metropolitan Council’s 2017 Wage Data for Computer Science Fields Economic and Workforce Analysis by Richard Clinch, Director, The Jacob France Institute at the University of Baltimore Merrick School of Business Q/ Are there programs and partnerships, and potential creative programs available with area higher ed institutions? The University System of Maryland has waived the In-state Tuition 12-month Residency Requirement for employees of Amazon, their spouses, and dependent children, making them immediately eligible for in-state admission and tuition benefits. Several other area institutions have offered to create partnerships and programs for Amazon as well. See usmd.edu/newsroom/news/1761 for full details. All data was received, compiled and aggregated via numerous Baltimore City and Maryland stakeholders, as well as public sources, current as of October 2017. A M A Z O N + B A LT I M O R E Q/ Q/ Q/ What universities, colleges, and community colleges with relevant degrees are in the area? How many students have graduated in the last three years? What is K12 education, especially as it relates to computer science, like in the area? Does the presence and support of a diverse population for this project exist? According to a U.S. News and World Report 2017 ranking of U.S. public high schools, for the third year in a row Maryland places first in the percentage of schools awarded a gold or silver medal for how well schools prepare students for college-level work, based on performance on state and national proficiency tests and graduation rates. Port Covington’s pursuit of Amazon’s HQ2 has strong and broad support in Baltimore and the entire state of Maryland. MD PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Baltimore City Community College Bowie State University Coppin State University Frostburg State University Morgan State University Salisbury University St. Mary’s College of Maryland Towson University University of Baltimore University of Maryland, Baltimore University of Maryland, Baltimore County University of Maryland, College Park University of Maryland, Eastern Shore University of Maryland, University College MD PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Baltimore Hebrew Institute [formerly Baltimore Hebrew University] Brightwood College [formerly TESST College of Technology] (2-year) Capitol Technology University Hood College Goucher College Johns Hopkins University Lancaster Bible College Capital Seminary & Graduate School [formerly Washington Bible College] Lincoln College of Technology Loyola University Maryland Maryland Institute College of Art Maryland University of Integrative Health McDaniel College Mount St. Mary’s University Ner Israel Rabbinical College Notre Dame of Maryland University SANS Technology Institute Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship (2-year) St. John’s College St. Mary’s Seminary & University Stevenson University Washington Adventist University Washington College Women’s Institute of Torah Seminary/Maalot Baltimore Yeshiva College of the Nation’s Capital Maryland ranks second nationally in the percentage of high school seniors who scored at the mastery level on Advanced Placement (AP) exams, with 30.4% earning a score of 3 or higher in 2016. Maryland also ranks second among the states in the percentage of graduates taking AP tests during high school at 49.3%, up from 32.7% in 2006. According to Quality Counts, Education Week’s annual assessment of key indicators of student success, Maryland’s K-12 public school system ranks fifth overall based on three graded categories that include chance for success, K-12 achievement and school finance. The Baltimore City Public Schools are working at the elementary level to expand the project-based curriculum to expose more students to the foundations of computer science. In elementary and middle schools, Baltimore City is rolling out a new science curriculum based on research supported by the National Science Foundation. The SABES elementary science curriculum, co-developed with Johns Hopkins University, includes engineering design challenges within every unit, and the IQWST middle school science curriculum intentionally develops scientific and engineering practices as defined by the Next Generation Science Standards. About 7,200 students per year (about 12% of elementary/middle school students) participate in an existing partnership with Code in the Schools, which also includes a professional development course to provide teachers with a stronger background in how to implement coding and makerspace activities in the classroom. MAJOR D.C. COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES • • • • • • • Howard University Gallaudet University George Washington University Georgetown University American University Catholic University of America University of the District of Columbia Maryland and Washington, D.C. colleges and universities have a strong pipeline of students graduating with degrees in STEM. From 2013–2015, nearly 85,000 students earned degrees in the field. While computer science, engineering, and statistics are core areas of study for Amazon employees, you’ll also rely on local talent in business, management, and economics. Between 2013 and 2015, over 57,000 students in Maryland and D.C. graduated with a degree in these fields of study. For detailed degree data, visit: ncsesdata.nsf.gov/webcaspar/TableBuilderDetailed At the high school level, students are able to engage in Computer Science either through the traditional high school curriculum or through a specialized Career and Technology Education (CTE) pathway. Baltimore City schools have received state approval to make Computer Science a graduation requirement, instead of an outdated foundations of technology course. Currently, six high schools offer the AP Computer Science sequence, touching approximately 300 students per year. Since 2010, Baltimore City Public Schools have focused on rebuilding and redesigning school facilities, so that students learn in an environment that allows them to thrive, grow, and succeed. This initiative, called the 21st Century School Buildings Plan, will renovate or replace more than two dozen buildings over the next ten years. For detailed information, visit: usnews.com/education/best-high-schools and baltimore21stcenturyschools.org/about/history All data was received, compiled and aggregated via numerous Baltimore City and Maryland stakeholders, as well as public sources, current as of October 2017. Port Covington has letters of support from the Governor of Maryland; Mayor of Baltimore City; Maryland’s congressional delegation; numerous city and state officials; plus business leaders, community leaders and cultural leaders. Visit: thismustbetheplace.city/letters-of-support/ to read all the letters. Q/ Is there a local government structure with elected officials eager and willing to work with Amazon? Port Covington’s pursuit of Amazon’s HQ2 has strong, broad, bipartisan support in Baltimore and the entire state of Maryland. To read letters of support from local and state governmental officials, visit: thismustbetheplace.city/ letters-of-support/ Q/ Are there testimonials from other large companies in the region who can speak to the stable and consistent business climate in the region? Port Covington has broad support from other Baltimore and Maryland business leaders. In addition, the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore has a Podcast Series called “Why Baltimore” where local business leaders and community leaders discuss Baltimore’s business climate. To read the letters of support from local business leaders, visit: thismustbetheplace.city/letters-of-support/ To listen to the podcast series, visit: wypr.org/programs/why-baltimore /015 J U S T T H E FAC T S Q/ What are the transit and transportation options in the area? As a result of its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the nation’s capital and the major distribution routes along the East Coast, Maryland’s transportation infrastructure has long been key to the region’s economic vitality and quality of life. Maryland boasts one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the country, operating buses, light rail, subway, commuter rail and a comprehensive paratransit system, including MARC, Central Light Rail Line, and Baltimore Metro trains connecting travelers across Maryland, and Amtrak, which operates approximately 90 trains daily, with Baltimore Penn Station the 8th busiest station in the nation last year. PHILADELPHIA 91.8 MILES Freight transport is anchored by the Port of Baltimore, the closest port to the Midwest than any other seaport. The Port of Baltimore is one of the most productive ports in the nation with an outstanding operations system that includes quality control programs, connectivity to land-side transportation, and a productive labor force. Outside the port’s gates, Maryland’s efficient roadways allow trucks to move 88% of the manufactured freight moving in and out of Maryland each year, as well as most of the goods moving through the Port of Baltimore. Maryland railroads carried nearly 90 million tons and $5.4 billion of freight in 2012, which is expected to increase to nearly 141 million tons and $10 billion of freight by 2040. Also, Baltimore ranks a low #33 in traffic congestion amongst USA cities, according to INRIX. In addition, Port Covington will be efficiently and conveniently served by multiple modes of transit, including innovative, environmentally-friendly ways to explore Baltimore and the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River. Whether by water taxi, rail, bus, bike, trails, pedestrian pathways, car or other creative options, Port Covington will accommodate all who want to work, live or play in or around Baltimore City and Amazon HQ2. And with expanded transit routes, additional stops, and integrated digital technology, Port Covington will connect neighbors and neighborhoods in new and exciting ways.   Q/ BALTIMORE BWI 9.9 MILES DULLES 63.1 MILES DC REAGAN 43.2 MILES VA What are flight/transportation times to Seattle, New York, San Francisco/ Bay Area, and Washington, D.C.? BWI to SEA: 6 hours BWI to New York (all airports): 1 hour, 15 minutes BWI to SFO, OAK: 6 hours Drive time to D.C.: 1 hour Train time to D.C.: 37 minutes Distance from Port Covington to BWI: 10 miles (15 minutes) Within Baltimore and the surrounding region, there are multiple mass transit options. The MTA BaltimoreLink Bus Service is a newly redesigned local and express bus system, and the Charm City Circulator provides free bus service seven days a week on four routes connecting downtown Baltimore with Amtrak, MARC, light rail, Metro Subway and less expensive parking.  The MTA Light RailLink connects 33 station stops in metropolitan Baltimore while the MTA Metro SubwayLink provides underground subway service spanning 15.5 miles and serving 14 stations. Additionally, Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train is a 187-mile commuter rail system providing service on three lines. It provides residents in central Maryland with weekday commuter rail options.  BWI is serviced by these airlines: Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, Spirit, United, and Virgin America Q/ Is there direct access to rail, train, subway/metro, and bus routes at Port Covington? Nearby, Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Airport continues to set all-time records for passenger traffic, and is the busiest airport in the region, handling more than 25 million passengers last year—more than Washington Reagan and Washington Dulles airports—and over one million international passengers. The newly redesigned Baltimore Water Taxi, owned by an affiliate of the Port Covington master developer team, features new boats, additional stops, longer hours and the planned integration of a digital technology platform to provide convenient transportation around the Inner Harbor of Baltimore City.  Port Covington will be efficiently and conveniently served by multiple modes of transit, including innovative, environmentally-friendly ways to explore Baltimore and the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River. Baltimore is also hugely bike-friendly, with the Baltimore Bike Share launched in October 2016 with 20 stations and 200 bicycles—growing to 1,000 bikes in the next 3–5 years—around the city.   To see a map, visit: thismustbetheplace.city/pc-transit Whether by water taxi, rail, bus, bike, trails, pedestrian pathways, car or other creative options, Port Covington will accommodate all who want to work, live or play in or around Baltimore City and the Amazon HQ2. Q/ What’s the travel time from Port Covington to a major highway corridor for direct access to significant population centers with eligible employment pools? It’s a 4 minute (1 mile) drive to I-95, a major highway with direct access to Washington, D.C., the rest of Baltimore, Philadelphia and other major population centers on the east coast. In addition, Port Covington is just 4 minutes from I-295 (2 miles.) Q/ What kinds of housing options exist? The Greater Baltimore housing market offers one of the best values among all major U.S. coastal metros, with affordable homes creating a favorable market for buyers and renters. As of the first quarter of 2016, Greater Baltimore’s median home price was $264,000, significantly lower than most other coastal markets, including neighboring D.C. at $394,000. Housing in the Baltimore metropolitan area is generally lower than other northeast and west coast metro areas with all types of housing available in wide price ranges across the region. Within a close drive of Port Covington, Marylanders can find dozens of residential settings that include both recentlybuilt homes and established neighborhoods. A number of areas feature waterfront properties. All types of housing— detached single family houses, townhouses, duplexes, condominiums—are available in wide price ranges. Housing in the Baltimore metropolitan area is generally lower than other northeast and west coast metro areas. METROPOLITAN AREA MEDIAN SELLING PRICE COMPARISON 2016 EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES Baltimore, Maryland $253,000 Austin, TX $284,000 Miami, Florida $305,000 Portland, Oregon $351,200 Newark, New Jersey $374,800 Denver, Colorado $384,300 Washington, DC $390,600 Seattle, Washington $414,500 Boston, Massachusetts $421,100 Nassau/Suffolk, New York $437,500 Los Angeles, California $507,100 San Francisco, California $838,600 The Port Covington master plan includes over 8,000 planned residential units and will be full of pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths, where workers can live, work and play all within the same community. For additional housing information, visit: godowntownbaltimore.com/library/docs/Household%20 2017%20report.pdf All data was received, compiled and aggregated via numerous Baltimore City and Maryland stakeholders, as well as public sources, current as of October 2017. A M A Z O N + B A LT I M O R E Q/ Q/ Q/ What is the relevant crime data for the area? What’s the cost of living? Why will Amazon employees enjoy living in Port Covington? What’s there to do? The Port Covington peninsula, located in South Baltimore, has very low crime rates, as do the surrounding neighborhoods of Locust Point, Westport, Fells Point, Federal Hill and Riverside. With living costs on average substantially less than others in urban areas in the northeast and especially the west coast, Amazon won’t find a better fit for its young, wired, diverse workforce to live, stay, and grow. Single person estimated costs: $945 without rent Four-person family estimated monthly costs: $3,413 without rent Fells Point COST OF LIVING INDEX FOR U.S. METROPOLITAN AREAS (AVERAGE FOR ALL URBAN AREAS = 100.0) Federal Hill Locust Point & Locust Point Peninsula Riverside Locust Point Westport Port Covington P O R T C O V I N G T O N Baltimore, MD 115.6 Middlesex-Monmouth, NJ 116.3 Chicago, IL 118.5 Philadelphia, PA 118.6 Portland, OR 128.5 Alexandria, VA 141.3 Arlington, VA 143.1 San Diego, CA 144.4 Seattle, WA 145.1 Stamford, CT 145.9 Boston, MA 148.1 Washington, D.C. 153.4 San Francisco, CA 177.4 New York (Manhattan), NY 228.2 Note: Includes comparative data for approximately 264 urban areas. Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index, 2016 Annual Average Data VIOLENT CRIME PER 100,000 RESIDENTS 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 1,000 2015 Q/ 800 600 400 200 0 Locust Point: -63% Change What is the population and racial diversity of the Baltimore-ColumbiaTowson Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and Baltimore City? Baltimore Metropolitan Area: -5% Change Source: Baltimore City Police public data and Maryland Department of Planning The Baltimore–Columbia–Towson Metropolitan Statistical Area, also known as Central Maryland, is a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in Maryland as defined by the United States Office of Management and Budget (OMB). As of the 2010 Census, the combined population of this area is approximately 2.8 million residents; for Baltimore City, the population size is approximately 620,000 residents. For the entire MSA, the racial and ethnic breakdown is 57% White/Caucasian; 29% Black/African American; 6% Latino/Hispanic; 5% Asian. For Baltimore City, the racial and ethnic breakdown is: 63% Black/African American; 29% White/Caucasian; 4% Latino/Hispanic; 2% Asian. The Baltimore area is a welcoming environment for all. Our rich history and legacy as an immigration hub and our diversity of backgrounds is one of our true strengths, reflected in our culture and neighborhoods and making our area a truly global region. All data was received, compiled and aggregated via numerous Baltimore City and Maryland stakeholders, as well as public sources, current as of October 2017. Maryland’s diverse landscape from the mountains to the sea has earned it the nickname “America in Miniature.” White sandy beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay sailing, mountain climbing, skiing and whitewater rafting provide something for everyone’s taste within a short distance. Maryland has historic and cultural attractions like battlefields and museums; walkable, wireless neighborhoods revitalized with new businesses; and a distinct international influence from nearby embassies, foreign students, and immigrant communities. Central Maryland, anchored by the City of Baltimore, is known for its rolling hills and historic towns as well as its high-tech industries, revitalized Inner Harbor and famous ethnic neighborhoods. Fast-growing suburban Maryland is surrounded by Washington, DC on three sides and home to innovative biotech companies. Western Maryland has mountains and forests, fast-flowing streams and the state’s largest freshwater lake. The picturesque Eastern Shore has robust farms, quaint old towns and fishing villages complementing major seaside resorts. Southern Maryland is a fast-growing region, known for its maritime heritage and links to the aerospace and defense industries.  Maryland has great schools, professional sports leagues, premiere collegiate athletics, the Preakness Stakes for racing lovers, nearly 200 golf courses, and boating up and down the Chesapeake Bay. Families in Maryland also benefit from quality primary and secondary schools, nationally top-ranked high schools, 59 two- or four-year colleges and universities, and 16 community colleges. Marylanders are just as likely to see U2 or Beyoncé at a downtown venue as they are the highly-acclaimed Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestra Marin Alsop, at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Baltimore has an historic tradition in the visual arts and theatre, including the Arena Players, the nation’s oldest continually operating African American community theatre.  However, these cultural amenities and diverse lifestyles come at a substantially lower cost in the Baltimore metropolitan region when compared to urban areas in the northeast and west coast. The Greater Baltimore housing market offers one of the best values among all major U.S. coastal metros, with affordable homes creating a favorable market for buyers and renters. As of the first quarter of 2016, Greater Baltimore’s median home price was $264,000, significantly lower than most other coastal markets, including neighboring D.C. at $394,000. Housing in the Baltimore metropolitan area is generally lower than other northeast and west coast metro areas with all types of housing available in wide price ranges across the region. J U S T T H E FAC T S /017 Q/ How can local culture and creativity be integrated into the Amazon HQ2 site? Because technology and data have been a critical component of our design from the beginning, Port Covington will be the place that truly understands who’s there, and where people can rely on the entire Community as a Service. Our vision is a smart, connected, sustainable community that predicts consumer and employee needs. As Amazon predicted and set the course for the future of online retail, Port Covington will be a living laboratory to perfect the integrated retail experience. Through the comprehensive use and integration of Customer Relationship Management and Content Management Systems, Port Covington will be able to recognize individual visitors, tenants and users, whether they are office workers, residents, or shoppers, and leverage that recognition to respond and adapt to their needs and preferences. We have the potential to offer unique data to tenants and partners, helping them understand the connection with customers both online and offline. Q/ What other things should Amazon know? At Port Covington, you have the opportunity for true urban revitalization, transformation and community impact: Amazon’s ability to hire as many as 50,000 new full-time employees and expend potentially $5 billion in total capital investment is an amazing opportunity for a city on the rise. Establishing its headquarters in Baltimore, a majority African American city, is a profound public statement of Amazon’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and reinvestment. HQ2 will transform the lives of the current generation of Baltimoreans, give hope to the next, and permanently tie Amazon to the renaissance of one of America’s greatest cities. All data was received, compiled and aggregated via numerous Baltimore City and Maryland stakeholders, as well as public sources, current as of October 2017. All data was received, compiled and aggregated via numerous Baltimore City and Maryland stakeholders, as well as public sources, current as of October 2017.