"Leaked Memo Exposes Amazon's Ambitious Plans to Expand in California"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Associated Press
A leaked internal memo from Amazon reveals the company's plans to expand its influence in Southern California, including efforts to improve its reputation through charity work and counter labor agitation. The memo outlines Amazon's strategy to court local politicians and community groups to advance its interests in a region where it faces opposition from environmental and labor activists and local moratoriums on warehouse development. The document also highlights the company's concerns about its reputation and challenges in Southern California, particularly regarding its impact on communities of color and poverty. Amazon aims to earn the trust of community groups and nonprofits to push back against state bills that threaten its interests and to showcase itself as a leader in sustainability. The memo also emphasizes the company's focus on generating positive media coverage through charitable campaigns and its intention to stop funding organizations that are antagonistic towards its interests.