David Zapolsky, who holds the position of Amazon’s Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer, expressed the company’s unwavering commitment to the Puget Sound region during an Amazon Community Impact Reception at The Spheres in Seattle. The event centered around discussions on Amazon’s contributions to the community, particularly in areas such as housing and food security.
“This is a time of transition, both locally and globally,” Zapolsky remarked. “Amazon remains steadfast in our support for the Puget Sound region. We are here to stay and will continue to invest in building this community.”
This public statement serves as a rare affirmation of Seattle as Amazon’s primary hub, amidst past disagreements over city policies that led to the company expanding its workforce in Bellevue, WA, and Northern Virginia.
With the recent election of Mayor Katie Wilson, Amazon faces the task of fostering a new relationship with city leadership. Wilson’s victory over Mayor Bruce Harrell, known for his business-friendly stance, signals a shift in Seattle’s political landscape.
During her campaign, Wilson emphasized the importance of collaborating with the tech sector, including Amazon, to address civic challenges through innovative solutions.
Wilson, a community organizer and Transit Riders Union co-founder, played a role in the implementation of Seattle’s JumpStart payroll expense tax, which generated significant revenue from tech companies like Amazon.
Amazon’s commitment to the community is evident through initiatives such as the Housing Fund, which aims to create or preserve over 10,000 affordable homes, and the delivery of millions of meals to families in need since 2020.
Zapolsky highlighted Amazon’s evolution in community engagement, noting a transition from informal, small-scale efforts to a more structured approach driven by the company’s core principles.
Despite workforce shifts to Bellevue, Amazon remains a significant presence in Seattle, with over 80,000 employees in the Puget Sound region.
Zapolsky, reflecting on his 26-year tenure at Amazon, praised Seattle’s assets and expressed the company’s commitment to collaborating with community partners for the region’s betterment.
