Gov. Pritzker Announces Illinois Ranked #2 for Corporate Expansion for Fourth Consecutive Year, Chicago Named #1 Metro for 13^th Straight Year

CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Illinois Economic Development Corporation (Illinois EDC) announced that Site Selection Magazine has named Illinois #2 for corporate expansion and relocations for the fourth year in a row, and Chicago was named the #1 metro for the 13^th consecutive year. Additionally, the state maintained its #2 placement for projects per capita for the third straight year.

Corporate real estate analysts regard Site Selection’s yearly analyses as “the industry scoreboard.” Qualifying projects must meet one or more of the following criteria: investment of $1 million or more, creation of 20 or more new jobs, or 20,000 square feet or more of new space.

“Once again, Site Selection is highlighting Illinois’ role as a nation-leading hub for business development. This impressive recognition reflects our efforts to foster a robust, future-focused economy that empowers companies to put down roots and grow in Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to our innovative workforce development efforts, competitive incentives, and unmatched infrastructure, Illinois has solidified its position as an economic powerhouse that helps job creators thrive in every corner of the state.” ​ ​

“These rankings are a reflection of the innovative and accommodating business environment we’ve built here in Illinois,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “If you are looking to expand and grow, there is a place for you here. This is something we and our follow Illinoisans have known for a long time, but we are very pleased to be able to share the news — Illinois is open for business.” ​

Team Illinois — a collaborative partnership that brings together the Pritzker Administration, DCEO, and Illinois EDC, as well as utilities, higher education, local economic development organizations, and representatives of the business community — has worked closely to foster a thriving business environment. State-led initiatives like competitive incentive packages, site readiness investments, and robust workforce programs, along with Team Illinois’ global trade missions, have bolstered Illinois’ prominence as a preeminent place for businesses to locate and expand. ​

“Illinois continues to solidify its position as an economic powerhouse through its consistently high rankings as a top destination for corporate growth,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “We got here by being intentional — from providing unmatched incentives to supporting our world-class workforce, the State of Illinois is showing companies both near and far that we’re open for business.”

Illinois saw 680 business expansion or relocation projects in 2025, according to Site Selection’s accounting (up from 664 in 2024). Companies that located in Illinois for the first time or expanded throughout Illinois in 2025 include:

Illinois also made major strides in its leadership in quantum technologies, with construction starting on the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) on Chicago’s South Side, with PsiQuantum as the anchor tenant. New tenants that committed to the IQMP in 2025 include Infleqtion, a Colorado-based quantum computing and sensing leader; Pasqal, a French quantum computing pioneer; and Diraq, an Australian startup partnering with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency on the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative. ​

“Illinois has entered a new era of economic development — one defined by innovation, close collaboration, and a commitment to unlocking the state’s full potential,” said Christy George, President and CEO of Illinois EDC. “For the fourth consecutive year, Illinois has ranked among the top two states in Site Selection’s analysis for corporate expansions and relocations. That sustained performance sends a powerful signal to investors and decision-makers around the world that Illinois offers the stability, talent, infrastructure, and partnership businesses need to thrive.”

Illinois’ strong fiscal growth — including 10 credit upgrades since 2021 and continued investments to its Rainy Day Fund — has laid the foundation for continued growth in key industries outlined in Illinois’ Economic Growth Plan, including quantum technology, life sciences, clean energy manufacturing and production, next-generation agriculture, and more.

“Ranking #2 in the nation by total corporate projects, as well as #2 by projects per capita is no easy feat,” said Adam Bruns, Editor in Chief and Head of Publications at Site Selection. “Having Chicagoland as the #1 metro area in the nation by projects certainly helps. So does the wealth of projects in the state’s smaller towns and cities, such as Charleston-Mattoon and Galesburg, which made our Top Micropolitan rankings. And so do proactive policy measures and incentive programs from state leaders. As Governor Pritzker told us in an interview published in this issue, ‘Competitiveness doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of clear priorities and a willingness to modernize how government works with business.’”

Illinois continues to top the lists of major economic development rankings, including Site Selection Magazine, CNBC’s Top States for Business, and more. Highlights include: ​

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