Part 2/10:
Spadey opens by highlighting a recent and troubling development: Amazon is planning to dismiss approximately 14,000 employees as part of the ongoing impact of AI and automation. So far, about 2,000 layoffs have been confirmed, with rumors suggesting more job cuts in January. This stream of layoffs exemplifies a broader trend where technological advancements—particularly AI—are reshaping the job market. For local economies heavily reliant on tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, this signals profound ripple effects that threaten to alter the city’s economic landscape.