Chicago Teams with Suburban Counties for Economic Development Push

In a first-of-its-kind partnership, the seven counties of northeastern Illinois have united around an economic strategy to boost shared prosperity. The Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership is a new collaboration among the seven counties (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will) and the City of Chicago to drive economic growth and advance equity across the region and its diverse communities. 

The partnership will focus on promoting the region’s many assets, including extensive freight infrastructure, diverse talent, strong exporting industries, and world-class institutions of innovation, research, and culture to develop a competitive global identity. The partners will coordinate international engagement, and they will share and optimize resources such as market research and asset mapping. 

“The Chicagoland region is a driving force of business in the nation,” said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. “From its central location to industry strengths, this region is positioned for significant growth and continued emerging business driven by tech and innovation.”

With financial commitment from each of the partners totaling $1 million for the first in a three-year pilot, World Business Chicago will manage the new Chicagoland Partnership and expand its services region-wide, complementing existing municipal and county programs.