The potential of the creative economy and the future catalytic effect of Amazon HQ2 in Arlington County

Abstract

The supply and demand of vibrant places are often considered a luxurious goal for cities rather than an essential engine for business and talent attraction. With the ongoing development of Amazon HQ in Arlington and the potential jobs that will originate, the city must be prepared to fulfill the expectations of residents, workers, and investors. Through a qualitative analysis and interviews with relevant practitioners, this paper studies the potential gap between the current creative ecosystem by discussing the supply of cultural goods and services, Arlington’s proposal, and the benefits and risks of achieving the targets, based on lessons from Seattle. To maximize what is expected, it will be imperative to foster a coordinated and creative environment while celebrating the unique essence of Arlington’s communities and the potential risks these changes may bring.

Keywords

• creative economy
• placemaking
• amazon
• cultural districts
• urban regeneration