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 Benefits of different development types Cycle of disinvestment Modernized state 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 Updated Community Data Snapshots include new data on development, demographics, housing, and more Posted on Click to read Updated Community Data Snapshots include new data on development, demographics, housing, and more Click to read CMAP releases Existing Conditions report to inform the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan Posted on Click to read CMAP releases Existing Conditions report to inform the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan Click to read Communities encouraged to update the Northeastern Illinois Development Database Posted on Click to read Communities encouraged to update the Northeastern Illinois Development Database Click to read Diverse coalition encourages action on sales tax modernization to strengthen Illinois’ fiscal future Posted on Click to read Diverse coalition encourages action on sales tax modernization to strengthen Illinois’ fiscal future