For the 4th Year in a Row, Illinois Ranks #2 for Corporate Expansion Projects
As the state’s business-led economic development organization, the Illinois Economic Development Corporation (Illinois EDC) is proud to share that Illinois ranks second for corporate relocations and expansions, according to leading economic development trade publication Site Selection.
“Illinois EDC has seen a surge of companies interested in moving to or growing in Illinois, and for good reason. Illinois offers a prime location and strong infrastructure, a balanced and resilient economy, and a diverse and skilled talent pool—the very requirements businesses want and need to thrive,” said Illinois EDC President and CEO Christy George. “Illinois’ streak of serving as a national leader for businesses demonstrates Illinois’ desirability, and the sustained trajectory is proof the hard work put into making Illinois attractive to job creators is paying off.”
This ranking reflects growth across the entire state, as Illinois is focused on strengthening the economy and expanding opportunity from Rochelle to Rantoul, Mattoon to Mt. Vernon, and Chicago to Collinsville,” said Illinois EDC Chairman John Atkinson. “The Pritzker administration’s steady focus on a stable budget, preparing sites so they’re open for development, and updating incentives has put Illinois at the forefront of economic development.”
Site Selection’s Governor’s Cup rankings are widely viewed as the economic development standard-setter.
Some fast facts about the findings of the “industry scorecard” for calendar year 2025:
- This is Illinois’ fourth year ranking as #2 in the rankings (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
- Illinois was runner-up in both cumulative and per-capita categories
- A total of 680 Illinois projects qualified
- This is the Chicago metropolitan area’s 13th year ranking as #1 Top Metro
- The metro area covers Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
- The metro saw 606 qualifying projects
- Three Illinois communities ranked within the Top 100 Micropolitans:
- Charleston-Mattoon (tied with others for 25th)
- Galesburg (tied with others for 25th)
- Rochelle (tied for 40th)
- Only major projects qualify. To be counted in the “Conway Projects Database,” projects must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Investment of $1 million or more
- Creation of 20 or more new jobs
- 20,000 square feet or more of new space
Team Illinois is led by Governor JB Pritzker and comprises the state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), local economic development organizations and real estate and utility leaders, and is lifted by Illinois EDC’s CEO-led board of directors.
“Capital flows to places where there’s momentum and confidence. Illinois’ performance in 2025 reflects both. For companies evaluating where to deploy significant investment, this kind of sustained showing creates a cycle of success, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing across Illinois,” said Jim Reynolds, CEO of Loop Capital and Illinois EDC chairman emeritus.
“Manufacturers are leading the business boom in Illinois, driven by an ecosystem that supports innovation and cutting-edge technology. Our success is built upon a best-in-class workforce, comprehensive infrastructure, central location, and access to water,” said Mark Denzler, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “Advanced manufacturing is driving the future economy, spurring growth and sustainability in communities throughout Illinois. We look forward to building on this momentum with new investments in safe, reliable and affordable energy including gas and nuclear, streamlining permitting processes, and continued development of data centers that are the foundation of a modern and innovative economy that includes advanced manufacturing and quantum computing.
Illinois EDC contributed to significant projects. New companies coming to Illinois on account of Illinois EDC and its Team Illinois partners include Pure Lithium, which moved its entire operations from Boston to Chicago to manufacture commercially viable lithium metal batteries, Damera Corporation which plans to make electric buses at first U.S. assembly plant in Greater Peoria, and Epic Pharma Solutions Inc. which will produce IV solutions at its first U.S. facility in Pekin. Illinois’ ascent as a leader in quantum also had new tenants agreeing in 2025 to join the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park on Chicago’s South Side, including Diraq, Infleqtion, Pasqal,and Silicon Catalyst.
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