Economic opportunities for a more robust and inclusive region Northeastern Illinois enjoys many competitive advantages, from its diverse talent, specialized industries, and institutions of education, research, and culture to its extensive transportation network and position as North America’s preeminent freight hub. These assets support the most diversified large metropolitan economy in the U.S. and a vibrant quality of life. But the region has experienced prolonged slow growth. Across numerous metrics, northeastern Illinois has consistently lagged behind peers and national averages. This loss in economic competitiveness has disproportionately impacted communities of color and other disadvantaged populations. ON TO 2050, our region’s long-range plan, includes strategies to reduce economic inequities, improve access to employment, advance the region’s industrial strengths, and expand investment in export-oriented industries. Economic Development Click to go to Economic Development Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership Improve local development incentives Understand job quality and access in your community Reorient state and regional economic development Plan for regional transit and economic development Prioritize areas for investment Industry Clusters Click to go to Industry Clusters Spotlight on traded clusters Industry clusters technical report Freight and manufacturing industry clusters Supply chains Tax Policy Click to go to Tax Policy A pathway to a sustainable future Informed local reform efforts Improved local development incentives Cook County property tax classification Recent news Click to read Lake Michigan’s abundance isn’t a guarantee. A plan for the future is imperative. Posted on Click to read Lake Michigan’s abundance isn’t a guarantee. A plan for the future is imperative. Click to read Early takeaways from Governor Pritzker’s FY2027 state budget proposal include transit and climate funding impacts Posted on Click to read Early takeaways from Governor Pritzker’s FY2027 state budget proposal include transit and climate funding impacts Click to read A model for the region: Housing Lake moves from conversation to commitment Posted on Click to read A model for the region: Housing Lake moves from conversation to commitment Click to read State of the Region report starts conversations about regional systems and trends Posted on Click to read State of the Region report starts conversations about regional systems and trends