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Homecoming at HQ2: Amazon's 3rd Annual Community Day Brings the Spirit to Met Park
Washington Wizards mascot G-Wiz and Washington Capitals mascot Slapshot joined families at Amazon's third annual Community Day at Met Park in National Landing.
Met Park was decked out in homecoming spirit this Saturday as Amazon's third annual Community Day brought neighbors, families, and pets together for a day of connection and school-spirit nostalgia. As we celebrate 20 years in Virginia, this was more than a festival — it was our thank-you to the community that has welcomed us to National Landing.
"We've always hoped Met Park would become a place where this community comes together, and that's exactly what we saw this weekend," said Patrick Phillippi, Amazon's head of community engagement for the National Capital Region. "Our employees live here, our kids go to school here, and Community Day is how we make sure that connection goes both ways."
The celebration began the day before. On Friday, employees welcomed their parents and role models to HQ2 for Bring Your Parents to Work Day, a tradition that started at Amazon's Seattle headquarters in 2016 and came to Arlington for the first time. The day featured more than 20 interactive experiences, giving the people who shaped our employees' careers a firsthand look at life inside Amazon.
Kids struck a pose at one of many interactive activities at Amazon's Community Day in National Landing.
Then Saturday brought the fun — kids tumbling through the foam pit, families designing custom trucker hats with game day patches, and trackless train rides winding through the park while a live DJ and marching bands set the homecoming mood. The Think Big Experience brought STEM to life with hands-on activities and a virtual reality amusement park that turned curiosity into wonder.
Local flavor was everywhere. EatLoco Farmers Market and Amazon Alley brought D.C., Maryland, and Virginia vendors and entrepreneurs together. Met Park retailers popped up with special offers, and cotton candy sweetened the day. And the dogs? They stole the show.
We're grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate with us, and we're already looking forward to next year.
July 29, 2026 1:18 PM
Amazon kids explore AI, robotics, and more at Arlington’s "Learn and Be Curious" Expo
From building AI-powered video games to cleaning up a miniature ocean, kids got hands-on with the technology shaping their future.
Amazon employees' kids took over HQ2 in Arlington, Virginia for the annual Bring Your Kids to Work Day, a daylong interactive experience designed to spark curiosity and creativity in the next generation of builders.
Across 15 stations at Metropolitan Park, kids explored everything from virtual reality training simulations to horticulture under a microscope. At the Agentic Arcade, built using AWS, kids answered questions that helped AI create a custom video game—then got to play it. At the Badge in a Box station, they designed their own AI-powered stickers.
Kids also packed their own Amazon packages at the Pick & Pack station, used real stethoscopes at the Doctor for a Day booth with One Medical, learned about recycling through a game called Trashketball, and cleaned up a miniature ocean at the Ocean Cleanup station—learning about Amazon's sustainability initiatives along the way. A professional LEGO artist built a large-scale mural of Rufus, Amazon’s AI shopping assistant, Amazon's mascot, throughout the day.
"Learn and Be Curious" is one of Amazon's Leadership Principles—and this expo brought it to life for the youngest members of the Amazon family. Whether they were free-building with LEGOs alongside a professional artist constructing a mural of Rufus, or learning about Amazon's ocean cleanup initiatives, kids left with more than just swag. They left with a glimpse of what's possible.
The event took place June 26 at Amazon’s HQ2 campus in Arlington, Virginia, with a similar experience taking place at HQ1 in Seattle on July 24-25.
Here's how Amazon is investing in Virginia
Virginia has served as a thriving hub for innovation and logistics hub for Amazon—home to a vast operations and transportation network, and AI and cloud infrastructure that supports critical needs across the state.
June 5, 2026 12:52 PM
From 20 riders to 250: How Amazon’s cycling community showed up for the Armed Forces Cycling Classic
When Logan Cunningham completed her first Olympic-distance triathlon race at 13 years old, she never imagined she’d one day lead a 250-person corporate team through the streets of Arlington. But that’s exactly what happened this year at the Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic, the Capital region’s premier cycling event and one of the largest races in the D.C. area.
Amazon has served as the title sponsor since 2025. This year marked a milestone: a new partnership with Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.), the company behind the Tour de France, elevating the event from a regional tradition to one with international recognition.
The weekend kicked off Saturday with the Challenge Ride, open to cycling enthusiasts of all ages and abilities who participated on behalf of a corporate team, an armed forces branch, or as individuals. Sunday brought the beloved Clarendon Cup, the D.C. region’s premier professional and amateur race since 1998.
Amazon boasts the largest corporate team in the event—a community that has grown more than tenfold under Logan Cunningham’s leadership.
“I’m so glad I get to bring my passion for cycling to Amazon and build a cycling community among my fellow Amazonians,” said Cunningham. “It has been amazing seeing our corporate team grow from 20 riders when we first started to the more than 250 that participated this year.”
The event reflects Amazon’s broader commitment to the communities surrounding HQ2, supporting military service members, bringing employees together outside the workplace, and investing in the vibrancy of the Capital region.
“Amazon is proud of our cycling culture and to be the lead sponsor of this incredible event that supports our military, engages our workforce, and strengthens communities,” said Steve Hartell, Amazon’s vice president of public policy. “We look forward to continuing to support the Armed Forces Cycling Classic and deepening our commitment to the Capital region.”
May 29, 2026 1:34 PM
Amazon partners with Axios to discuss the future of AI in the US workforce
Photo credit Frankie Luis Garcia for Axios
Earlier this month, Amazon partnered with Axios Live to host Future of Work: Succeeding in the AI Era at our National Landing campus. Axios senior economics reporter Courtenay Brown and senior tech policy reporter Ashley Gold moderated conversations on the intersectional roles of public-private partnerships, workforce development, and education in the age of Artificial Intelligence.
Panelists included:● Holly Sullivan, Amazon’s vice president of worldwide economic development policy● The Honorable Sen. Todd Young● Dr. Anne M. Kress, Northern Virginia Community College President
The discussion explored how policymakers, educators, and the private sector are collaborating to develop training programs that equip workers for new and not-yet defined roles—and how institutions like NOVA are evolving to prepare the next generation for an AI-driven economy.
Events like this reflect Amazon’s commitment to convening leaders across sectors to advance real solutions from community college pipelines to federal AI policy. We were proud to host this timely conversation at HQ2 and look forward to bringing more events like this to National Landing.
May 21, 2026 2:30 PM
Amazon hosts community book fair at Met Park, unveils Little Library
On Saturday, May 16, Amazon hosted a Community Book Fair at Met Park on the campus of HQ2 in National Landing, Virginia. Hundreds of community members came together for a free morning of celebrating books, reading, and math for kids.
A bestselling author, free books, and a sweet surprise
New York Times bestselling author and mathematician Danica McKellar led live readings for children in attendance, and every kid went home with a copy of her book, Goodnight, Numbers. The event also featured crafts, Toby's Ice Cream, and Amazon bananas to fuel the fun.
The book fair was produced in collaboration with E3: Elevate Early Education, the READ, VA campaign, and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Northern Virginia.
A lasting investment in the community
Amazon also announced the installation of a new Little Library on the HQ2 campus, stocked with books from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. The Little Library will provide free, year-round access to books for children and families in the National Landing community—extending the spirit of the book fair well beyond a single Saturday morning.
May 11, 2026 9:57 AM
Amazon and DDOT launch e-cargo bike pilot in Washington, D.C.
Amazon Cargo E-Bikes in 20003 zip code on April 28, 2026 in Washington, District of Columbia.
Amazon is working with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to test e-cargo bike deliveries in Washington, D.C.
How does the e-cargo bike pilot work?
Through the new pilot program, Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) will deliver Amazon packages to customers across the District using a fleet of up to 15 battery-powered e-cargo bikes that move quickly, safely, and quietly through busy city streets.
E-cargo bikes are a natural fit for urban deliveries. With a smaller footprint than cars or vans, they can operate in dedicated bike lanes, helping reduce traffic congestion and noise. The e-cargo bikes have four wheels and a secure rear cargo hold, along with covered seating, a windshield, and windshield wipers, providing weather protection for DSP delivery associates.
Why is Amazon testing e-cargo bikes in D.C.?
"We've seen the benefits e-cargo bikes bring to urban deliveries around the world, and we're excited to launch this pilot alongside DDOT to help ensure we get it right here in D.C.," said Dave Alperson, vice president of North America last mile transportation at Amazon. "We'll continue working alongside community partners in the National Capital Region who understand the local needs best—combining their insights with our expertise in delivery, technology, and innovation to make a real difference in people's everyday lives."
Where else does Amazon use e-cargo bikes?
Amazon has been investing in micromobility like e-cargo bikes and on-foot deliveries across the globe, including in New York City andmore than 50 cities in Europe. The D.C. pilot is the latest chapter in that work, and Amazon looks forward to working closely with DDOT as the company continues to expand safe and efficient deliveries for our neighbors in the National Capital Region.
April 8, 2026 3:07 PM
Spring has arrived at Amazon HQ2, and we’re celebrating in full color.
National Cherry Blossom FestivalPhoto by Jason Dixson Photography
This year, Amazon is proud to be part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and the celebration has been in full swing across the region. On March 28, Amazon brought the National Mall to life as the presenting sponsor of the Blossom Kite Festival, which brought together families for an afternoon of kite making and live music. Back in National Landing, Pink in the Pool kicked off the season on March 21 with free access to the Long Bridge Aquatics Center and Japanese cultural activities like tea ceremonies, origami, and paper lantern decorating.
The best part? There’s still more to come.
Pink in the Park returns for its fourth year
Amazon is co-presenting Pink in the Park with the National Landing BID, now in its fourth year as Virginia’s premier celebration of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The series continues with Pink Beats on April 9 at the Water Park, before coming to a close on April 10 with Art in the Park at Metropolitan Park--an after-hours showcase featuring 50+ local artists, Japanese and pan-Asian cuisine, and DJ entertainment from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
“Amazon is proud to support Pink in the Park, a vibrant, community-driven tradition that continues to grow each year,” said Patrick Phillippi, head of community engagement for the National Capital Region at Amazon. “We’re excited to welcome neighbors back to Metropolitan Park for the Art of Pink exhibition and to spotlight the creativity of local artists and businesses. It’s a joyful way to celebrate spring and the spirit of this city together.”
From the Washington Monument Grounds to Metropolitan Park, Amazon is honored to help bring the Cherry Blossom Festival to life on both sides of the river. Register for Art Park to join us on April 10.
April 1, 2026 9:00 AM
Building community together at HQ2 and Virginia
2026 marks a milestone year for Amazon in Virginia. As we celebrate our 20 anniversary in the Commonwealth and approach the opening of Arlington Community High School at Met Park this fall, we’re proud to reflect on how our partnership with Virginia has grown beyond traditional economic development into a model of community-centered investment.
Met Park brings jobs, small businesses, and community programming
Since opening Met Park in May 2023, nearly 8,500 Amazon employees now work at our second headquarters. The campus includes 50,000 square feet of retail space for 13 local small businesses and a 2.5-acre public park that has hosted hundreds of community events—from affordable housing summits to farmers markets, live music, and art programming with MoCA Arlington’s Innovation Studio—reaching an estimated 133,000 community members.
Since implementing our 5-day return-to-office policy in January 2025, we've continued to see positive economic impacts in the National Landing community, including foot traffic averaged more than 155,000 monthly visitors at Met Park.
$1.3 billion investment in affordable housing
Our commitment extends far beyond job creation. Through Amazon’s housing fund, we’ve invested $1.3 billion to preserve and create over 10,000 affordable housing units across the National Capital Region. In February, we broke ground on the Victory Center in Alexandria—transforming a long-vacant office building into 377 all-affordable homes. We’ve also donated more than $60 million to 230+ local community partners in the last 12 months.
Building Virginia's talent pipeline
We’re building Virginia’s talent pipeline from the ground up, investing more than $5.7 million in CodeVA to expand computer science education and awarding $920,000 in Amazon Future Engineer Scholarships to Virginia students. Over 5,000 Amazon operations employees in Virginia have participated in Career Choice, our pre-paid tuition program.
Virginia is a great state to do business. Across the Commonwealth, we continue to invest in our corporate office in Herndon, our fulfillment network including the launch of ORF4—our robotics fulfillment center in Virginia Beach, and in AI and cloud infrastructure that powers businesses statewide. As we enter this milestone year, Amazon remains committed to being a good employer, neighbor, and community partner in Virginia.
March 4, 2026 9:47 AM
Amazon breaks ground on 377 all-affordable homes in Alexandria's West End
Representatives from Amazon and Stonebridge joined Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins and City of Alexandria leadership at the groundbreaking ceremony for 377 all-affordable homes at 5001 Eisenhower Avenue.
Amazon, Mayor Alyia Gaskins, and developer Stonebridge today broke ground on the Victory Center at 5001 Eisenhower Avenue—a formerly vacant 11-story office building in Alexandria, Virginia, that will be transformed into 377 all-affordable homes by 2027.
A building reimagined
When this project was first conceived, it was planned as a mixed-affordability development. Amazon's investment changed that. Today, every one of the 377 homes will be affordable—235 of them two- and three-bedroom units for families—with half available to renters earning 50% to 60% of area median income and half to those earning 80% of area median income. Amazon's participation also extended the affordability commitment from 40 years to 99 years.
"This project represents something bigger than just one building," said Steve Hartell, vice president of public policy at Amazon. "It will help chart a course for a new future—not only for the generations of residents who will call this place home, but for the broader Eisenhower West redevelopment as well."
Built for Alexandria's essential workers
With 235 family-sized units and easy Metro access, 5001 Eisenhower Avenue is designed for Alexandria's essential workers and families who want to stay in the neighborhoods they love.
"I am proud to be the leader of a city where we have been so tirelessly committed to building affordable housing," said Mayor Alyia Gaskins of Alexandria, Virginia. "Making sure that we are building housing options everywhere and in every part of our community so that anyone who wants to live here is able to live here and stay here."
Part of a larger commitment
Today's groundbreaking is part of Amazon's commitment of more than $1.3 billion to create and preserve over 10,000 affordable homes in the National Capital Region. In Alexandria, Amazon has committed over $166 million to support more than 1,400 affordable homes—part of our $3.6 billion Housing Fund spanning the Puget Sound region, National Capital Region, and Nashville.
March 2, 2026 11:26 AM
Amazon supports Fairfax County students in Presidential AI Challenge
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students showcased innovative AI solutions this week as part of the Seize the Moment Student AI Innovation Challenge, a program supported by Amazon through its work with Playlab.
Top student teams from 25 FCPS high schools demonstrated custom AI apps at Herndon High School, just miles from Amazon's HQ2 in Arlington, Virginia. Students used Playlab's sandboxed AI environment to create AI-powered apps designed to tackle real-world challenges, including improving government policies and helping international students transition.
The evening concluded with five finalist teams presenting their apps to a panel of judges from Amazon, FCPS, and the Virginia Department of Education.
"It's inspiring to see students across Fairfax County and throughout the country build innovative solutions to address challenges in their classrooms and communities," said Valerie Singer, general manager of global education at Amazon Web Services. "Amazon is proud to support STEM education for students of all ages, and we're excited to partner with Playlab on the Presidential AI Challenge. Together, we're helping students safely use AI to learn and create."
This effort is part of Amazon's support for AI education and literacy for learners and workers. This broad work includes support for the Presidential AI Challenge and the Pledge to America's Youth, as well as Amazon's Future 2030—a $2.5 billion commitment to expand access to education and skills training to help prepare at least 50 million people for the future of work.
STEM Education programs Amazon supports in the U.S.
We are committed to increase youth and adult access to STEM opportunities, inspire students to explore careers of the future and the broad range of technical and non-technical roles available to them, and promote diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.
February 20, 2026 2:14 PM
Amazon joins National Innovation Quarter as founding partner in National Landing
Photo by Connor McLaren Photography/Connor McLaren Photography
Amazon is proud to call National Landing home. With its cutting-edge workforce, diverse and growing suite of industries and amenities, and proximity to federal policymakers and global institutions, it is no surprise that National Landing is a driver of regional economic growth. Since establishing HQ2, we have seen how bringing leaders together in the right place generates breakthroughs in national competitiveness and technology.
Building innovation beyond HQ2
Our efforts to build the future don’t stop at HQ2. We are investing in community organizations and programs that strengthen collaboration and tackle some of the most pressing issues facing our communities. In National Landing, this commitment includes our role as a Founding Partner for the new National Innovation Quarter—National IQ.
Launched this month, National IQ is a landmark nonprofit organization that brings together leaders from industry, academia, government, and entrepreneurship to amplify the area’s innovation ecosystem.
Industry leaders join forces in National Landing
By tapping into the public and private sector organizations across Crystal City, Pentagon City, and Potomac Yard, National IQ will strengthen collaboration and solidify the community as a global innovation hub. The impact of this initiative will be felt immediately with the rollout of year-round programming, initiatives, and startup and innovation accelerators.
Marked by a launch event at the National Landing Experience Center on February 11, Amazon joined other Founding Partners and early sponsors to celebrate National IQ’s role as a catalyst for innovation and growth for the region and the nation.
“National IQ creates a powerful platform to accelerate this innovation ecosystem,” said Brian Stout, senior manager of U.S. public policy at Amazon. “It brings the right people together, with the right resources, in the right place, and that combination is what drives breakthrough solutions. We’re excited to see the breakthroughs that emerge when this community comes together.”
January 2, 2026 2:42 PM
Amazon celebrates HQ2 community impact: $60 million donated to more than 230 local partners in 2025
In December, Amazon employees gathered at the company’s Amazon Visitor Landing in HQ2 for a celebration of community impact.
Brian Huseman, Amazon’s vice president of public policy and community engagement, welcomed familiar faces and new colleagues alike to reflect on the ways Amazon is investing in the region. “You’re the ones volunteering at local schools, mentoring students, supporting food banks, and showing up for our community partners.” Huseman told Amazon employees. “You understand what it means to be a good neighbor here. And you’re our best ambassadors—the people who can authentically share Amazon’s story because you are part of it.”
Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, chief executive officer of the National Landing Business Improvement District, moderated a conversation with Holly Sullivan, vice president of worldwide economic development policy, and Brian Kenner, global head of geographic giving and community engagement. The conversation explored Amazon’s economic contributions in Virginia and hyperlocal giving strategy that has made HQ2 a model for community investment.
With 8,500 employees at HQ2 and over 66,000 across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., Amazon is creating meaningful economic and community benefits. In 2025 alone, Amazon donated over $60 million to more than 230 local community partners throughout the DMV.
A Q&A panel featuring Sullivan, Kenner, Senthil Sankaran (managing principal of Amazon’s housing fund), and Bettina Stix (global director of Amazon Community Impact) highlighted the company’s comprehensive approach in the region: the creation and preservation of more than 10,000 affordable homes supporting more than 22,000 residents, more than 1.5 million meals delivered to local organizations and families, and more than 700,000 student hours of free STEM education provided.
Amazon employees are at the heart of this work. In 2025, more than 2,200 HQ2 employees participated in more than 270 volunteer events, supporting over 100 community organizations. This work represents Amazon’s Leadership Principles in action, demonstrating that success and scale bring broad responsibility to the communities we call home.
December 1, 2025 1:19 PM
November 28, 2025 11:10 AM
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