OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO

RAHM EMANUEL
MAYOR

February 14, 2019

Dear Amazon:

We want to assure you that Chicago, our surrounding communities, and the State of Illinois
remain ready to welcome HQ2 to our city, and to ensure a smooth and successful transition and launch.

With new leadership in the governor?s of?ce and a new commitment to bipartisanship, the State
of Illinois is prepared to be a strong and stable partner to attract and support businesses. We are focused
on advancing an innovative economic development agenda that drives economic growth.

You have seen ?rsthand that the Chicago area meets or exceeds your business needs, from a
robust, diverse and talented workforce to a thriving and globally?connected business community, to world
class universities and transportation system. You already know about our ability to envision and deliver
big projects, from a $9 billion renovation of O?Hare International Airport that will further expand its
capacity and ef?ciency, to launching 1871, the best university-af?liated incubator in the world, to making
$8 billion of investments in our public transit system, including the modernization of more than 40 rail
stations, all on time and on budget.

Since your last visit, we have also made substantial progress toward the launch of ?The 78?
development, which has received strong support from the surrounding communities and received
unanimous support from the Community Development Commission a 15-member board responsible for
reviewing and approving Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funding for private redevelopment projects.
?The 78? development and corresponding infrastructure support from the City is scheduled to receive ?nal
legislative approval in April and will break ground shortly thereafter.

Chicago and the State of Illinois remain focused on supporting business growth and innovation,
and we are more ready than ever to do great things with Amazon HQ2.

You should take another look at Chicago. We will be happy to bring you back.

Sincerely,



Mayor Rahm Emanuel Governor Pritzker