Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe recently announced San Francisco-based Shift Technologies will invest $20 million to establish their first East Coast operation in Arlington, VA. Shift Technologies (Shift), a peer-to-peer marketplace for buying and selling used cars, is planning to take full advantage of the Commonwealth’s rich workforce by creating 100 high-tech jobs within the first year!
I had the pleasure of being in attendance for the big announcement last week at Crystal City’s popular 1776 incubator, the offices where Shift will call home. With a countywide commercial vacancy rate still hovering above 20%, this was a HUGE win for the County.
Arlington’s County Manager Mark Schwartz, Board Chair Libby Garvey and Board Members Katie Cristol and John Vihstadt were all in attendance to welcome Shift. However, the biggest smile in the room undoubtedly belonged to Arlington’s Economic Development Director, Victor Hoskin. Since being appointed in early 2015, Hoskin and his dedicated team have been working tirelessly to attract innovative companies to Arlington, particularly in Crystal City’s emerging tech hub.
With the support of ATP Champions, Vornado/Charles E. Smith and the Crystal City BID, Shift’s employees will benefit from the premier location of their new digs, which is known for its highly educated workforce, countless urban amenities and unrivaled quality of life. Due to the region’s transient nature, Shift will also have a unique opportunity to capitalize on Arlington’s high residential turnover…and that’s where Arlington Transportation Partners can assist!
ATP offers a wide-range of Employer, Property and Development and Multi-family Residential programs dedicated to promoting emerging mobility trends and Arlington’s multimodal transportation services, including complimentary relocation assistance. With a mission of helping Arlingtonians live a car-lite lifestyle, we see great value in Shift’s “concierge” services that make it easier for owners to sell their vehicles at a fair price. Similar to Airbnb, Shift assists with peer-to-peer transactions and can save owners from wasting their time with Craigslist ads, test drives, paperwork and financing headaches. As Manager of ATP’s Multi-family Residential Program, I constantly speak to new residents relocating in Arlington who simply realize they have little need for their vehicle(s) thanks to the County’s robust transportation options. Plus – who isn’t looking to put a little extra money in their pockets!
Interested in partnering with Arlington Transportation Partners? Contact us today to learn more about our free programs and services!