atcsundevil wrote:A lot of people seem very focused on this move being related to the defense contract side of the business as well as lobbying. While that is undoubtedly a component, there are other very relevant reasons. Boeing already has a large presence in Northern Virginia, as does a fast growing tech sector in the Reston/Loudoun area. Roughly 80% of the world's internet traffic passes through Loudoun County, and it has quickly become one of the largest data storage locations on the planet. Collaborating with other companies in the aerospace and tech sector is going to be important to Boeing's future. Having a location in Chicago really doesn't do much of anything strategically for the company without significant tax incentives. The State of Virginia is not offering tax incentives, so clearly the other reasons for relocation were more compelling. It also doesn't hurt that Senator Mark Warner has been pushing the move for some time, and he has undeniably become an influential congressman. While moving headquarters is without question the least of Boeing's concerns right now, there are plenty of valid reasons for this decision.
It's kind of how the status quo has been, HQ moves to a location already existing. Oracle already had a presence in Austin, TX, and a lot of the executives still live around SFO or are based in Redwood Shores.
Tesla had the Austin Gigafactory already built as they did not have the capacity to make another line of vehicles in Fremont, CA. Obviously Elon had the spat with CA during the pandemic, Boeing was losing the Chicago incentive, and Oracle has a presence in many states. HP probably stands out because they built net-new campus near Houston.
A lot of companies are also attracted to Reston area because of recruiting and talent as well, stone throw away from several top universities in the country. Area is very attractive for suburban life over having to commute to Chicago Loop. Aside from government presence, and needing to foster a better relationship. There really isn't anything positive points for Chicago anymore. Old brass used the line it's far enough from Seattle but between the coasts.