Chicagoans want business to invest in the city’s future — not run it

For generations, Chicago’s business leaders have played a major role in shaping the city—not just through economic growth, but through generosity. From the McCormicks and Fields to today’s philanthropists like Ken Griffin and Pete Kadens, many local leaders have contributed to schools, museums, hospitals, and more.

But today, the relationship between City Hall and the business community appears strained. Some executives feel shut out of civic life, even as the city faces major challenges like public safety, inequality, and economic recovery. At the same time, Chicagoans are not calling on businesses to solve every problem—but they do want them to stay engaged.

A recent survey by The Harris Poll shows that nearly half of Chicago residents (44%) believe the business community has a responsibility to give back to the city. While public and private partnerships seem strained from the outside, Chicago residents are seeing bridges being rebuilt between local government and the city’s executive community. Only 29% of Chicagoans think business leaders are not being fully utilized as a resource by the city’s local government.

Chicago residents also recognize the importance of these partnerships. Many Chicagoans view a healthy relationship between their local government and commercial leaders as being essential to Chicago flourishing in the future. 

Three in five (57%) agree that efforts to attract more businesses in the technology industry will benefit the local economy, and half (50%) think those efforts will help attract and retain new residents. The majority of city residents identify healthcare (69%), technology (58%), and transportation (57%) as industries that will be important to Chicago 20 years from now. 

Chicagoans are also focused on the next generation. With only 22% saying kids in their area have the resources to succeed, many residents support broader educational paths. Half think technical certifications (53%) and skilled trades programs (50%) can help students thrive. The majority of Chicago residents view skills like computer literacy (65%), trade skills (57%), and public speaking (46%) as essential skills for today’s youth to learn.

In a time when some major companies have pulled out of Chicago, others are stepping up — quietly and directly. From funding college scholarships to backing neighborhood nonprofits, the next wave of business leaders is continuing a long tradition of civic investment.

Chicago doesn’t expect business to fix everything. But residents are optimistic about a vision of Chicago’s future  where companies and local government work together to support the place they call home.

This survey was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll from February 21, 2025 to February 24, 2025 among 1,021 residents of Cook County, IL – including 561 residents of the City of Chicago, aged 18+. Figures were weighted where necessary to align with actual proportions within the population. For additional information, please contact The Harris Poll.