April 17, 2014

A.T. Kearney Global Cities Index Names Chicago a Top Global City

2014 Index Ranks Chicago in the Top 10 of the World’s Most Global Cities of Today and Tomorrow

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

The City of Chicago ranked seventh on the list of top global cities of today and tomorrow as part of A.T. Kearney Global Cities Index. This is the third major ranking that lists Chicago in the top 10 globally, including IBM, and the Economist Intelligence Unit.

Chicago joins other international cities such as New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Beijing, Singapore and Washington, D.C. in this prestigious ranking. Researchers rank cities according to 26 metrics across five dimensions, including Business Activity, Human Capital, Information Exchange, Cultural Experience, and Political Engagement.

“I am proud to see A.T. Kearney has recognized the City of Chicago as a top global city of today and tomorrow,” said Mayor Emanuel. “The Global Cities Index highlights Chicago as a premier location for businesses to expand and thrive. With our access to international transportation, central location between the coasts and pool of skilled workforce talent, businesses across the world realize all of the extensive opportunities Chicago has to offer as the city continues to shape the direction of the world in the coming years.”

The Global Cities Index ranking creates an unmatched perspective into global cities. It provides a view of current performance and future potential; identifies trends from six historical results; analyzes the performance of 84 cities representing all regions; and measures a holistic set of metrics and indicators mostly at a city level.

World Business Chicago President & CEO Jeff Malehorn added, “Chicagoans should be proud of this top 10 global ranking for they are the backbone of our City’s exceptional reputation and achievements.”

Chicago has been recognized by many significant publications since Mayor Emanuel took office.

In March 2014, Chicago was ranked as the “Top Metro” in the United States for corporate investment in a report released by Site Selection magazine, which is considered the “industry scoreboard for corporate investment and relocation professionals.” The publication recognized that the Chicago region was home to more new or expanded corporate facilities than any other metropolitan area in the nation in 2013, with 373 new and expanding companies, generating approximately 10,000 new jobs and $2.8 billion in investment.

Chicago was also ranked among the World’s Most Competitive Cities in a report release by IBM in December 2013. Of the top 100 global cities, Chicago ranked in the top eight or better across the board, and fourth in financial services. Of 15 North American cities, Chicago was second in four categories, and third in software development. The overall high rankings reflect the diversity of the Chicago economy.

In June 2013, the Economist Intelligence Unit report announced Chicago ranked second in the United States and ninth worldwide for overall future competitiveness in the 2025 Global City Competitive Index, commissioned by Citigroup. The Index ranks 120 cities worldwide for future competitiveness in terms of ability to attract capital, talent, and business in 2025, weighing Economic Strength most heavily. Economic Strength is comprised of real GDP growth rate real GDP, and real GDP per capita and regional market integration.

These reports align with the city’s Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs, a roadmap for the region’s growth and job creation called for by Mayor Emanuel and currently being implemented by World Business Chicago.

For a copy of the report summarizing the A.T. Kearney Global Cities Index, please visit: www.atkearney.com.

###