The Washington Beltway is a terrible choice for Amazon's HQ2

When Amazon announced their top 20 contenders for the location of their second headquarters, most of the locations did not come as a surprise. Nearly all of the cities and regions selected invariably host skilled, diverse labor markets; strong infrastructure investment by states and municipalities; favorable business climates conducive to long-term economic growth; and ample amenities for businesses and workers.

Washington, D.C., fits in well with its rivals on these important metrics. Nevertheless, the district would be a poor location for Amazon’s second headquarters, both for the company itself and for America’s economic vibrancy.