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FOCUS FUELS PROGRESS

The Civic Committee works with business leaders, public officials, and other civic organizations on game-changing initiatives to promote the social and economic well-being of our region.

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WE ARE COMMITTED TO MAKING OUR REGION A BETTER PLACE FOR EVERYONE TO LIVE, WORK, AND DO BUSINESS.

Through our key focus areas and the work of our affiliated organizations we address the most pressing issues facing the Chicago Region

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Public Safety

We are working collaboratively to make Chicago a safer, stronger, and healthier place to live, work, and do business.

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Education

We pursue projects that will improve the educational system for all who live here.

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Tall buildings, including the Chicago Stock Exchange in the foreground and the Board of Trade in background.

State Finance

Developing and advocating for policies and practices that will restore the State of Illinois to fiscal stability.

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Technology

Developing and driving initiatives that promote technological innovation in the Chicago region.

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Transportation and Infrastructure

Through these efforts we work to solidify and enhance Chicago’s position as a global transportation hub.

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Chicago Business Opportunity Initiative

Inspiring collective action to make Chicago the most economically inclusive and prosperous region in the country.

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OUR LEADERSHIP

Our leaders are committed to solving the key issues facing the region.

Michael G. O’Grady, Chair

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
Northern Trust Corporation

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D.G. Macpherson, Vice Chair

Chairman and CEO,
Grainger

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Derek R. B. Douglas, President

Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago

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Commercial Club of Chicago 

Supporting the Chicago Region’s Vitality.

The Commercial Club of Chicago is composed of senior leaders from Chicago’s business, professional, cultural, and educational sectors.
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AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS

Our affiliated organizations extend our work and increase our impact across the City and State by examining ways to make the City of Chicago and Cook County more livable, affordable, and globally competitive; ensuring access to high-quality public education; and strengthening Chicago as a global bright spot for technological discovery and innovation.

Civic Consulting Alliance

Kids First Chicago

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CHICAGO IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREAT CITIES, WITH AN ENERGY UNIQUELY ITS OWN. THE CIVIC COMMITTEE LIVES AT THE CENTER OF THAT ENERGY.

CIVIC COMMITTEE NEWS

The Rev. Jesse Jackson remembered as civil rights leader and icon

Crain’s, 2/17/26

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Long-sought Chicago police staffing study recommends adding more cops, hiring

2/12/26

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Joint Statement on Governor Pritzker’s Pension Plan

2/6/26

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Metropolitan Civic Leadership Alliance Calls on Congress to Reauthorize Transportation Funding

1/16/26

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Statement of CVI Community About 2025 Decline in Gun Violence

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1/2/25

Statement on the City Budget

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1/20/25

Statement on Alderpersons Alternative Budget Proposal

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12/2/25

Joint Statement on City Council Member Letter to Mayor Johnson

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10/31/25

Why We’re Involved

Since our founding in 1983 by the Commercial Club of Chicago, we have been committed to making our region a better place for everyone to live, work, and do business. We’re passionate about bringing out the best in the region for the benefit of all who live here.

Where We’re Focused

While our priorities have evolved over time, we remain focused on the issues that support the region’s vitality.

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