Chicago needs a World Trade Center

Chicago is at an economic crossroads. Reports from Moody’s and the Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability show weakening business confidence, slow earnings growth, and stagnant small business activity. Paychex data ranks Chicago near the bottom of major metros for hourly wage and earnings growth. This isn’t a temporary downturn — it’s a structural problem.

One solution is within reach. Chicago holds the license for a World Trade Center (WTC) through the World Trade Centers Association, yet we remain one of the largest U.S. metros without one. Across North America, 62 cities — including Indianapolis, Toronto, Detroit, and Denver — have activated WTCs as engines of trade, investment, and job creation. Philadelphia’s WTC has supported over 28,000 jobs and in 2026 will host the WTCA’s global forum, bringing business and government leaders from nearly 100 countries. Chicago deserves no less.

The urgency is real. Courts are reviewing Trump-era tariffs on Chinese imports, a reminder that trade volatility is here to stay. Larger corporations can weather these shocks. Small and mid-sized businesses — the backbone of Chicago’s economy — cannot. A WTC provides permanent trade services, year-round access to a global network of 300 centers, and a neutral space to navigate uncertainty.

This isn’t about building a tower; it’s about creating a permanent hub that strengthens existing business support systems and gives Illinois companies a true international front door.

We have the infrastructure. We have entrepreneurial talent. We hold the license. What’s missing is the civic will. In a time of tariff battles, disrupted supply chains, and shifting global routes, Chicago cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. It’s time to lead.

Martin Schiffman, Managing Director

World Trade Center Chicago