Gov. Pritzker’s Record-Breaking Workforce Investments Lead Illinoisans to Career Success

CHICAGO — As Illinois enters the new year, the state is already achieving record-breaking wins for working families. Thanks to Governor JB Pritzker’s tireless efforts, Illinois is investing in job opportunities and career success for everyone.

New rankings from Site Selection Magazine put Illinois #1 in the Midwest, and #3 in the nation for workforce development.

This is a direct result of Gov. Pritzker and his administration’s relentless commitment to delivering good-paying jobs, opportunities, and high-quality career readiness programs – all to safeguard people’s success in every corner of Illinois.

“Illinois is home to the best workers in the country, and my administration has worked strategically and relentlessly to make sure they can succeed in our state,” said Gov. Pritzker. “By making clear that Illinois is open for business, we’re ensuring long-term opportunity for workers all across the state – whether they’re just starting their careers or looking to put decades of experience to work.”

Gov. Pritzker is fulfilling the needs of everyday Illinois workers and sustaining economic success – despite President Donald Trump’s federal failures. While Trump’s annual job gains were the lowest outside of a recession in over two decades, Illinois has flourished with growing industries across the state.

And the numbers speak for themselves – Gov. Pritzker has consistently established Illinois as a powerhouse leader in economic development and led the state to its highest-ever payroll numbers, so that every person in Illinois can gain financial security and stability.

Here are some of the governor’s accomplishments showcasing the state’s economic growth over the last few years:

Attracting Illinois Jobs

• Doubled private sector investment and quadrupled retained jobs in 2024.

• Hit record-high payrolls in June 2025.

• Created nearly 3,000 jobs and retained thousands more through $13 billion in incentivized private investments last year.

• Continue to bolster clean energy jobs with grant funding and initiatives under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.

Career Readiness Secures Success

• Prepared the next generation of skilled workers with the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship program, helping 38 schools and organizations serving 1,900 Illinoisans in 2025.

Illinois Leads in National Economic Rankings

• Ranked #13 state in CNBC’s 2025 Top States for Business, jumping 17 spots since 2019.

• Ranked #2 state for Site Selection’s 2025 Top U.S. Destinations for Corporate Expansion and Relocation – the third year in a row.

• Landed a top 5 state ranking for Fortune 500 company headquarters in 2025.

• Chicago–Naperville–Elgin metropolitan area: Ranked #4 in Site Magazine’s 2026 North American Tech Hub Index, up 2 spots from 2025.

• Cook & Lake County: Ranked #3 & #10, respectively, in Site Selection’s Top Counties for Economic Development.

Business is Booming in the State

• Broke ground last year on the new Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, which will bring thousands of new jobs in the quantum sector.

• Brought in 664 business expansion or relocation projects in 2024, up from the year prior.

• Reported last year that over 700 businesses committed to investing in Illinois, which is expected to create 19,000 jobs.

As Trump and his sycophants in the IL GOP attempt to hide and distract from their economic failures, Gov. Pritzker has stepped up for every hardworking Illinoisan – guaranteeing that Illinois can keep moving forward.

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