Why Chicago & the Region?
Why Chicagoland
Chicagoland offers a unique value proposition: the size and quality of life of a world class city with affordable costs. We have an incredible workforce, and are a magnet for the brightest minds in the country. Our diverse economy means that more of a firm's supply chain can be sourced in-region, and our strategic location makes it easy to move people and goods.
Cost of Business
Our costs reflect a smaller city, with all the perks of a large city. More than any other large metro area, Chicago over-indexes on the size of our business ecosystem compared to the overall costs.
Innovation
Chicagoland is a global innovation hub. Chicago and the region's innovation and venture ecosystem bring the best minds together to help change the world.
Strategic Location & Demographics
Chicagoland is a global freight and air travel hub. Chicagoland is the nation's center point, with a rich history as a trade hub. Our transportation infrastructure is unparalleled, making Chicago one of the most globally connected cities.
Employment & Labor Costs
Chicago has the third largest workforce in the United States, with more than 200,000 jobs added over the past year. Chicago has one of the most diverse economies in the United States, with no one industry sector comprising more than 14% of the economy by employment.
Global Ties
Chicago is one of the nation’s gateways to the world. We do business with top foreign trading partners. Chicago is the size of a small country, with a global sized economy and global connections.
pro-Chicago Decisions
In 2023, there were 152 known pro-Chicago decisions (PCD's). Our main key performance indicators are pro-Chicago decisions. The Research Center tracks activity throughout the year and we use this data to position Chicago competitively in the U.S. and on the world stage.