Illinois GDP grew 4.8% in 2nd quarter of 2025
Illinois GDP grew 4.8% in 2nd quarter of 2025
Illinois’ economy bounces back after early 2025 slump. Long-term growth is threatened by taxation, regulation and barriers to getting a job.
Mandating unaffordability: How Chicago’s housing affordability requirements decrease supply and increase costs
Mandating unaffordability: How Chicago’s housing affordability requirements decrease supply and increase costs
As housing prices continue to soar out of reach for more Americans, an impulse from policy makers across the country has been to attempt to mandate “affordable” prices through legislation. One common idea is rent control, which limits how much landlords can increase rents on residents. A related one is inclusionary zoning, which forces developers...
Just 4-in-5 businesses from 2015 likely still open in your Chicago neighborhood
Just 4-in-5 businesses from 2015 likely still open in your Chicago neighborhood
Chicago lost nearly 1-in-5 businesses between 2015 and 2024, translating to nearly 11,200 fewer businesses operating in the city. Of the city’s 98 neighborhoods, 80 lost 10% or more of their businesses. Mag Mile lost 41% of its stores.
Illinois housing stock remains woefully low, prices climbing
Illinois housing stock remains woefully low, prices climbing
Policies that make building expensive have continued to choke Illinois’ housing supply, pushing more families away with high prices. Nearly $90K has been added to the average house price since 2018.
Information sector bright spot as Illinois job market remains sluggish
Information sector bright spot as Illinois job market remains sluggish
Illinois showed slow job growth as the state trailed national trends. Unemployment was at 4.4% in August, slightly above the national rate
Chicago Ald. Quinn pushing ‘decoy’ ordinance to block granny flats
Chicago Ald. Quinn pushing ‘decoy’ ordinance to block granny flats
Ald. Marty Quinn’s proposed ordinance would restrict additional dwelling units in Chicago to just 20% of the city and add costly labor mandates. It also boosts each alderman’s power over what Chicagoans can do with their own homes.
Nuclear energy gives Illinois economic power, if it will allow new plants
Nuclear energy gives Illinois economic power, if it will allow new plants
A slew of private investments in nuclear energy signals opportunity, yet Illinois remains one of only 12 states that limits production. The state needs to lift its ban on new reactors.
Chicago could add 8,000 granny flats by following Los Angeles’ lead
Chicago could add 8,000 granny flats by following Los Angeles’ lead
Legalizing additional dwelling units citywide would bring more housing choices, lower costs and help Chicagoans stay in the neighborhoods they love.
Food aid feeds almost 2M statewide in May, 1-in-3 in southern counties
Food aid feeds almost 2M statewide in May, 1-in-3 in southern counties
Enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program dropped by 3.2% in May. Still, nearly 2 million Illinoisans relied on federal food aid, with participation rates exceeding 30% in some Southern Illinois counties.
1,065 Illinoisans laid off in August, with 276 at Diverse Facility Solutions
1,065 Illinoisans laid off in August, with 276 at Diverse Facility Solutions
Illinois companies announced 1,065 mass layoffs in August. Minority-owned Diverse Facility Solutions, headquartered in Alsip, Illinois, and two other janitorial services companies accounted for nearly half of the jobs lost.
Illinois home prices up nearly 50% since 2018, inventory low
Illinois home prices up nearly 50% since 2018, inventory low
Restrictive zoning laws and policy barriers have prevented new housing construction, driving prices up and Illinois families out.
Communism crushed cotton candy business, but family revives it in America
Communism crushed cotton candy business, but family revives it in America
Atlas Sweets is a newcomer to Chicago’s summer farmers market and fair scene. For founders Vlad and Ellery Rikhlyuk, the cotton candy enterprise is about more than bringing in a little extra cash – it’s the revival of a family dream once crushed by Soviet Communism.
Illinois adds 20,300 jobs in a year, but 301,000 seek work in July
Illinois adds 20,300 jobs in a year, but 301,000 seek work in July
Illinois continues to be one of the slowest growing economies in the nation, ranking 46th in post-pandemic job recovery and adding just 20,300 jobs in the past year. Unemployment remained above the national average.
Chicago printer LSC cuts 180 jobs of 444 statewide losses in July
Chicago printer LSC cuts 180 jobs of 444 statewide losses in July
Illinois companies announced 444 mass layoffs in July. LSC Communications Transport in Bolingbrook, also known as Enru Logistics, accounted for over one-third of job losses.