Chicagoland has once again been named the number one metro in the U.S. for corporate relocation and investment by Site Selection Magazine, marking its 12th consecutive year at the top. This ranking—based on project count—highlights the region’s global economic strength, business-friendly environment, and deep talent pool. These competitive advantages are championed worldwide by the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP)—a collaboration between the city and seven surrounding counties (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will)—established in 2023 to drive investment and business expansion across the region.
World Business Chicago reported a total of 140 “pro-Chicagoland decisions,” in 2024, comprising 110 expansions and 30 relocations or new market entries, resulting in the creation of over 14,800 jobs. “The Chicago region’s competitive advantages continue to include logistics infrastructure, a highly skilled and diverse workforce, strong legacy and emerging industries, and world-renowned academic and research and innovation institutions,” said Adam Bruns, editor in chief of Site Selection Magazine. “One underlying reason behind Chicagoland’s perennial strong performance in our Top Metros rankings: how Daniel Burnham’s original plan and vision continue to resonate through generations of business locations, architecture and infrastructure.”
Chicago’s quantum leap into the future was solidified in 2024 with one of the most transformative pro-Chicago business decisions of the year—PsiQuantum’s selection of Chicago as the home for its first utility-scale quantum computing site in the U.S. Announced last summer by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, alongside federal, state, and local leaders, this milestone cements Chicago’s position as a global hub for quantum technology and emerging industries. Located at the USX site on the city’s South Side, the quantum campus represents a bold investment in next-generation innovation, bringing together world-class research institutions, national labs, and industry leaders to drive breakthrough advancements. With PsiQuantum as the campus’ first anchor tenant, Chicago is poised to lead the charge in the quantum revolution, accelerating economic growth, high-tech job
creation, and scientific discovery.
“When we set out to choose the location for our first utility-scale quantum computing site in the U.S., Chicago quickly rose to the top—not just for its infrastructure or geography, but because of the extraordinary leadership and shared vision at every level,” said Josh Richman, Executive Vice President, Market Development, PsiQuantum. “The seamless collaboration between the state, county, and city—alongside world-class universities, national labs, and industry partners—was a masterclass in execution, led by Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson. Chicago is cementing its status as a global innovation powerhouse, and we’re proud to play a role in shaping its future.”
As the leading quantum computing company focused on building the first useful, error-corrected quantum computer, PsiQuantum will drive innovation, competitive research, and economic growth in Illinois.
“Chicago’s number one ranking by Site Selection Magazine is based on real data—proving we’re winning in the metrics that truly matter,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “As the biggest 2024 project counted in this ranking, PsiQuantum’s decision to anchor its new quantum campus on the Southeast Side shows how companies are choosing Chicago for its talent, infrastructure, and strong business ecosystem at every level. Even more importantly, this major quantum investment has innovators around the world taking notice, and I am thrilled this development will revitalize and bring attention to a neighborhood that has been left out of economic development for far too long. We are committed to building upon the successes that have earned Chicago the number one spot and ensuring that all people
can reap their benefits.”
“This milestone underscores what we at World Business Chicago and our partners in the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership already know—businesses continue to choose Chicagoland because they see opportunity here,” said Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago. “With a diverse and highly educated workforce, a robust transportation and logistics network, and a strong innovation ecosystem, our region provides companies with everything they need to succeed.”
“Year after year, Chicagoland proves itself as the premier destination for companies looking to establish, expand, and invest,” said Kevin Considine, Chair of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership and President & CEO of Lake County Partners. “Our collaborative approach ensures that businesses, regardless of their location in the region, have the resources and support to grow.”
One Region, One Vision
The Hon. Deborah Conroy, Chair of the DuPage County Board: “Site Selection magazine has named Chicagoland the number one region in the country for business expansion and re-location for an unprecedented 12th consecutive year! Congratulations to all the jurisdictions who helped foster this incredible accomplishment. It is an honor to have DuPage County recognized for our contributions. With our partners at Choose DuPage, the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership and the State of Illinois, we will continue to collaborate to position DuPage County and the region as a premier, global business location. Together we are all working to make sure that our region is recognized for what we know – that we are, indeed, number 1 for business in so many ways.”
Greg Bedalov, President & CEO of Choose DuPage: “For me, this reinforces an idea that many of us have been preaching for years: Regional collaboration works. When we come together as one Chicagoland, we have a stronger voice, we have a richer narrative, and we have a bigger, better value proposition, one that top businesses can’t ignore. If you want to see the impact of this collaborative approach, look at companies like Jel Sert. In 2024, Jel Sert expanded its West Chicago operations, retaining nearly 1,000 jobs and creating dozens more. GCEP played an integral part in that. And while the outcome was good for West Chicago, it’s also good for the entire Chicagoland region. When we retain, grow, and attract businesses here, we all win.”
Located just west of Chicago, DuPage County provides a supportive ecosystem for businesses, a launchpad for innovators, a strategic location for critical logistics operations, and a healthy home for families. Keep exploring to learn why our forward-thinking community is right for today and ready for tomorrow.