Behind the Scenes at WBC: Powering Chicago’s Growth & Innovation

We are actively shaping the economic future of the Chicago region, working in close partnership with Mayor Brandon Johnson and his administration, the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, our board of directors, and key stakeholders across the metro area to:

• champion investment and inclusive growth,
• drive job creation, and,
• strengthen business opportunties.

Across industries and communities, our leadership and staff are working urgently and with conviction to expand opportunities and ensure that Chicago remains a premier destination for business, talent, and innovation.

Big Moves in Business & Investment

Over the last year, WBC has convened roundtables with business, civic, and government leaders to develop forward-looking strategies focused on business & capital development, neighborhood investment, and global outreach—pillars that will shape Chicago’s economic landscape for decades.

WBC led a Commercial Real Estate Roundtable this morning, bringing together industry leaders to discuss transformational projects reshaping Chicago’s economic landscape. From the revitalization of LaSalle Street, where $700 million in investment is converting vacant office buildings into mixed-use developments, to major corridor initiatives on the south, west, and north sides, such as the 95th Street and Broadway rezoning efforts aimed at creating vibrant, business-friendly districts—Chicago is seeing momentum in development citywide. The discussion also highlighted the United Center redevelopment, which will bring housing, retail, and structured parking to long-underutilized land, reinforcing the city’s commitment to driving investment across all 77 neighborhoods.

Key initiatives underway:

Global Expansion: WBC is leading a delegation to Japan in mid-March to strengthen business ties and investment opportunities. Chicago will also welcome high-profile visits from global leaders, including the former President of Ireland and the President of Poland.

Chicago Day @ SXSW: WBC and Midwest House will bring together Chicago’s brightest startups, investors, and corporate leaders to showcase the city’s economic strength at one of the world’s largest innovation festivals. A powerhouse group of Chicago brands—@1871, the Chicago Bulls, Microsoft, Nature’s Fynd, Jeppson’s Mal?rt, the Obama Foundation, Pie, and Portillo’s—will highlight why Chicago is a global leader in business and innovation.

Revitalizing LaSalle Street: The LaSalle Street Reimagined initiative is a bold effort to transform Chicago’s historic financial corridor into a vibrant, mixed-use district that better reflects the city’s evolving economy and community needs. With over $700 million in investment, the initiative is converting vacant office buildings into residential spaces, including 30% affordable housing, along with new retail, restaurants, and cultural amenities that will bring more activity to the area. Several major redevelopment projects are already underway, with demolition and construction progressing to reimagine LaSalle Street as a place where people can live, work, and engage with their community. This initiative aligns with Chicago’s broader economic development strategy, ensuring that the city’s core remains a hub of business, innovation, and inclusive growth.

Inspiring Chicago’s Future Healthcare Workforce: Earlier this week, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office and Chicago Public Schools, we led a healthcare workforce tour connecting CPS students with career pathways in the city’s healthcare sector. Students engaged with over 20 professionals at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, toured facilities, and explored careers in nursing, physical therapy, and emergency medicine. The impact was clear—100% of students found the experience valuable, 80% increased their interest in healthcare careers, and all said they would recommend it to a friend. With students representing 15+ neighborhoods citywide, this initiative strengthens the pipeline of young talent exploring high-demand careers, reinforcing WBC’s commitment to workforce development and industry partnerships.

Accelerating Development & Cutting Red Tape: Through a strong partnership with World Business Chicago, Mayor Johnson’s Cut the Tape Initiative is driving real progress in streamlining city development processes. This pro-business approach is making it easier for developers to invest, expand, and bring new projects online, reinforcing Chicago’s reputation as a top-tier market for investment and innovation.

Plan approval times have already been reduced by 40%, fast-tracking major business and housing projects that are fueling economic growth across the city.

A Bold Vision for Chicago’s Economic Future

World Business Chicago is leading a strategic refresh of the city's 2012 Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs, ensuring Chicago remains competitive, resilient, and positioned for long-term success. Developed in collaboration with many subject matter experts and leaders of business, culture, arts, tourism, real estate, and more, this updated roadmap prioritizes job density, industry growth potential, and Chicago’s competitive advantage as key drivers of economic expansion.

With a strong focus on business and capital development, neighborhood investment, and global outreach, the plan is designed to revitalize key economic corridors, accelerate housing and commercial development, and reshape outdated perceptions of public safety through data-driven insights. By leveraging Chicago’s geographic, financial, and cultural strengths, this effort will reinforce the city as a premier destination for business expansion, investment, and talent attraction.

Set to be formally announced later this spring, this refresh represents a major step forward in shaping Chicago’s economic future, ensuring the city remains a hub for innovation, opportunity, and global business leadership.

?A City on the Move

The momentum described above was further reinforced when our team recently toured the Obama Presidential Center, a world-class destination set to open in 2026. (Seen in above photo.) With millions of visitors expected, the Center will be a transformative economic driver for the South Side and the entire region, amplifying Chicago’s global prominence.

With bold strategies, major investments, and a commitment to fostering business growth, Chicago is in motion—and WBC is at the forefront, ensuring our city thrives for generations to come.

The momentum is real, and in the weeks and months ahead, key announcements and new initiatives will highlight the city’s continued progress—from economic development strategies and global business engagements to neighborhood revitalization efforts and investment opportunities.

Stay connected as we share the milestones that will further position Chicago as a global leader in business, innovation, and opportunity.

DM us to let us know how we can support your business plans for expansion and growth.

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