Patrick Phillippi.
Patrick Phillippi
Senior Community Engagement Manager at Amazon
Ever since Amazon announced in 2018 that it would build its HQ2 in Northern Virginia, the e-commerce giant has made its presence known in the surrounding communities of its future home.
Patrick Phillippi is largely charged with making Amazon a good neighbor and partner to the region, working closely with nonprofits, community groups and small businesses.
“We are working to make Amazon’s HQ2 in Arlington the best example of a corporate citizen the world has ever seen,” Phillippi said. “This means listening to our neighbors and partners and working on some of the most pressing issues facing Arlington and the region, from sustainability to education to racial equity.”
Amazon’s is also active in development through its Housing Equity Fund, a commitment of more than $800 million to invest in affordable housing in the Washington, D.C., area, with more to come.
“Since the launch of the Amazon Housing Equity Fund 15 months ago, our efforts are helping to create and preserve more than 4,400 affordable homes,” Phillippi said. “Based on data provided by Arlington County, the fund has helped to increase the affordable housing stock in Arlington by 22 percent.”
HQ2, developed by JBG Smith, is progressing nicely. PenPlace — the second phase of the HQ2 development — was approved in April 2022, setting the next stage in motion. The company also celebrated the topping-out of Metropolitan Park in March 2022, and expects to open it next year.
“Metropolitan Park’s two 22-story office buildings will include more than 50,000 square feet of retail space for local small businesses and a 700-person meeting center that will be available to local community groups,” Phillippi said. “The entire complex will also be powered by 100 percent renewable energy.”
In many ways, Amazon is just at the beginning of its commitment to the Arlington region.
“We are really excited about the retailers who will be located at HQ2,” Phillippi said. “Our goal is to help create and foster a vibrant 18-hour district, one that our neighbors see as a destination where they can dine, shop and relax.”
