Economic development
Building the case for investment in Waukegan.
The Chamber works with the City, Lake County, and regional partners to attract capital, fill space, and connect employers to talent.
The opportunity
A lakefront city in the Chicago–Milwaukee corridor.
Waukegan combines a deep-water harbor, interstate and rail access, Metra service to downtown Chicago, an executive airport, and an industrial base that still makes things — at land and lease costs well below the region's average.
For companies evaluating Lake County, we assemble the data, make the introductions, and stay in the room through the decision.
Focus areas
Where investment is moving.
Lakefront & harbor
Mixed-use, hospitality, and recreation development along Waukegan's Lake Michigan waterfront.
Downtown reinvestment
Adaptive reuse, storefront occupancy, and the Genesee Street arts and dining district.
Industrial corridor
Manufacturing, logistics, and advanced production with rail and interstate access.
Workforce pipelines
Apprenticeships and training partnerships that keep skilled talent in Lake County.
By the numbers
89K
Residents
Illinois' ninth-largest city
35 mi
To O'Hare
Interstate and Metra access
1 of 3
Lake County job centers
Manufacturing, health, logistics
$0
Cost of our help
Site and incentive support is free
Considering Waukegan for your next location?
We'll assemble sites, incentives, workforce data, and the right introductions — at no cost.