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Why Chicago continues to lead in 2026

Aug 17, 2026, 3:00 PM•craincontentstudio
Crain's Chicago Business
New data reveals the economic, talent and real estate trends shaping one of America's strongest business markets.‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 
 
Why Chicago is poised for continued growth in 2026
Chicago continues to stand out as one of the nation’s most resilient and dynamic business markets. From a diversified economy and world-class talent pipeline to strong commercial real estate fundamentals, the latest Chicago Market Summary 2026 explores the trends driving opportunity across the region.

Read the report to discover:

  • A resilient economic engine: Learn why Chicago's diversified economy, expanding GDP and nearly $30 billion in major development projects continue to attract investment.
  • A competitive talent advantage: Explore how top universities, Fortune 500 headquarters and a growing educated workforce fuel long-term business growth.
  • Commercial real estate insights: Review the latest outlook for office, industrial, multifamily and retail markets, including leasing trends and rent performance.
  • Data to inform smarter decisions: Gain market intelligence that can help guide expansion, investment and location strategies in 2026 and beyond.
Get JLL’s latest report now and discover why Chicago continues to outperform as a destination for business growth and investment.
 
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