Illinois strikes out on Amazon HQ2

By Brad Weisenstein

11/15/2018

Amazon picked two of the 20 remaining cities to split its $5 billion, 50,000-job HQ2, with a third city receiving 5,000 jobs. Illinois struck out on all three.

TAGS: Amazon, EDGE: Economic Development for a Growing Economy, jobs, tax credits

Sears files for bankruptcy despite decades of Illinois tax breaks

By Janelle Cammenga

10/16/2018

Sears, a long-time beneficiary of Illinois tax credit programs, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

TAGS: bankruptcy, EDGE: Economic Development for a Growing Economy, pensions, Sears, Sears Centre, tax credits

One of Illinois’ top tax credit recipients to shutter 1,000-employee HQ

By Austin Berg

09/11/2018

Illinois issued more than $60 million in EDGE tax credits to Takeda Pharmaceuticals from 2003 to 2013, more than any other company received over that time.

TAGS: EDGE: Economic Development for a Growing Economy, jobs, tax credits, unemployment

Auto parts company to create 100 new Illinois jobs for $1.2M in tax breaks

By Janelle Cammenga

09/06/2018

Following $3.7 million in EDGE tax credits Illinois awarded the company last year, Flex-N-Gate is set to receive a $1.2 million tax break to boost its Danville workforce.

TAGS: Danville, EDGE: Economic Development for a Growing Economy, tax credits, taxes

Taxpayer-subsidized manufacturer shutters Illinois plant

08/28/2018

Despite years of taxpayer subsidies, rail car manufacturer Nippon Sharyo has closed its Rochelle plant – pointing to a reality some politicians don’t want to face.

TAGS: EDGE: Economic Development for a Growing Economy, Nippon Sharyo, Ogle County, Rochelle, tax credits

Small business owners give Illinois an ‘F’ in friendliness

By Vincent Caruso

08/20/2018

A recent survey found Illinois to be the least accommodating state in the nation for small businesses.

TAGS: EDGE: Economic Development for a Growing Economy, income tax, progressive income tax, regulations, sales tax, small business, tax credits, taxes

Amazon scouts to visit Chicago for headquarters bid

By Brendan Bakala

03/20/2018

Amazon’s team will visit 10 proposed sites in Chicago for its second North American headquarters.

TAGS: Amazon, Chicago, EDGE: Economic Development for a Growing Economy, Rahm Emanuel, tax credits

Illinois’ sweetheart deals tilt against small businesses

By Vincent Caruso

02/13/2018

The state has chosen to coddle some big businesses while punishing the small.

TAGS: EDGE: Economic Development for a Growing Economy, jobs, small business, taxes

Canadian manufacturer to get $1.1M state tax break deal, local property tax breaks

By Brendan Bakala

12/05/2017

The Brandt Group of Companies inked a deal through Illinois’ state tax credit program and will receive property tax abatements from multiple local governments.

TAGS: Bloomington, EDGE: Economic Development for a Growing Economy, McLean County, property taxes

Illinois’ Amazon HQ2 offer up to $2.25B in incentives

By Brendan Bakala

10/24/2017

The state’s combined incentives package will reportedly include $1.4 billion in EDGE tax credits, $450 million in improvements, $250 million in new education and workforce programs, and more.

TAGS: Amazon, Bruce Rauner, EDGE: Economic Development for a Growing Economy, Rahm Emanuel

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

View Report

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Report Archive

Allan Luzbetak

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students