Chicago's Mayor Brandon Johnson is diving into deep talks with Québec business leaders to spur a blue and green tidal wave of investment in his city. Johnson sat down this morning with key figures involved in sustainable development and green energy, to potentially wash a wave of new businesses onto Chicago's shores. These industries are pegged to make waves in sectors ranging from transportation and water management to greener energy solutions and sustainable development, as reported by the Chicago Office of the Mayor.
"Chicago's proximity to one of the largest bodies of freshwater in the world is a competitive advantage that has been historically underutilized," Mayor Johnson boldly claimed, as per the Chicago Office of the Mayor, emphasizing the city's potential to grow its economy sustainably. He's not just looking to attract any businesses; Johnson has his eyes set on those that promise to be both profitable and planet-friendly. He aims to grow the economy "without sacrificing the health and safety of our residents," he stressed, according to the city's announcement.
It seems Chicago is not just blowing hot air when it comes to the green economy. A report from World Business Chicago dubbed "Chicagoland’s Green Future" showcases a thriving sector that pumped more than $18 billion into the economy in 2022, with a growth spurt of nearly 180% over six years. And it's not just about the dollars – green jobs have taken root too, with over 65,000 positions sprouting up as of last year. Charles Smith, Vice Chair of World Business Chicago, aligned with this vision, was quoted in the release saying, "There is a correlation between good policies and business growth."
Meanwhile, Upstream Illinois has been fishing out strategies to boost the blue economy. This term encompasses the myriad of businesses swirling around water technologies and services. A report prepared by Current, a water innovation hub operating in the Chicago area, poured over the data and found that this sector was a $16.7 billion industry in 2020, employing around 186,000 people. Alaina Harkness, Executive Director of Current, seemed to agree, noting in the city's statement that Chicago deserves to be "the center of a globally significant blue economy engine," as stated by the Chicago Office of the Mayor.
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