Amazon to Detroit: Mayor asks Dan Gilbert to lead the team

While Detroit may not be the strongest competitor in the market to snag the new Amazon HQ2 jackpot, many people think the city could have a legitimate shot at landing it. The Detroit bid will be regional and the Mayor has appointed Dan Gilbert to lead the charge.

According to Crain’s, the Mayor says it will be a “Super Bowl-like bid” with a team of 100 people from around the region to pitch the idea to Amazon by the October 19 deadline. Different experts will take on different specifications from the RFP, such as location, talent, and the tough one—transit.

Dan Gilbert should be speaking more on the matter at a Detroit Homecoming event Thursday evening. We’ll update with more information when we have it.

Last week we asked readers to pick which site could be the best fit for a possible Amazon HQ2. Amazon would be building up to 8 million square feet of office space for up to 50,000 employees. And yes, they’re looking for the right location to offer them tax incentives.

Strong contenders in our poll included Michigan Central Station (which would require new construction nearby), the Monroe Blocks, and the Hudson’s site. Also mentioned as a possible location is the land next to the Renaissance Center along the East Riverfront, which Dan Gilbert has been interested in for quite some time.