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Fitzgerald: Lots To Learn, And Improve On, In Losing Amazon HQ2

Katie Blackley
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90.5 WESA

 

The region’s Amazon proposal was a collaborative learning experience for Pittsburgh leaders, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said this week, but according to Amazon, the region's talent pool isn't deep enough and the city lacks appropriate infrastructure.

"I do think it was very productive for the region, No. 1 to go through the process, but I think also beneficial in that we -- this region, Pittsburgh -- were picked as one of the Top 20 areas," he told The Confluence, "that we made it onto that list."

Credit Richard Drew / AP
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AP

Amazon chose to split its East Coast headquarters between Crystal City, Va., and Long Island City, N.Y. Pittsburgh threw its hat in the ring early, offering the tech giant $6.7 billion in incentives shared among Pennsylvania, Allegheny County and the city -- a sum all three entities fought hard to keep secret.

Elsewhere in the show, both Gov. Tom Wolf and Lt. Gov.-elect John Fetterman say they won't take up residence in their respective state-provided mansions. WESA's Katie Meyer reports their decision could save the commonwealth a little cash.

Saturday television is often populated with big football games between marquee names in college sports, but there’s much less recognition for athletes and teams at the Division II level. John Baldwin, director of NCAA championships and alliances, previews the NCAA Division II National Championships Festival in Pittsburgh this week. Matchups continue through Dec. 1.

And in part four of 90.5 WESA’s Still Working series, producers Margaret J. Krauss and Kevin C. Brown follow four people for whom caring is part of the job description.

The Confluence, where the news comes together, is 90.5 WESA’s daily news program. Tune in weekdays at 9 a.m. to hear newsmakers and innovators join veteran journalist Kevin Gavin, taking an in-depth look at stories important to the Pittsburgh region. Find more episodes of The Confluence here.

Kiley Koscinski covers city government, policy and how Pittsburghers engage with city services. She also works as a fill-in host for All Things Considered. Kiley has previously served as a producer on The Confluence and Morning Edition.
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