Abstract

Illinois joins the trillion-dollar club, an unofficial classification for economies that hold $1 trillion in GDP. This is no small feat. This makes Illinois the 5th largest economy in the US and the 19th largest in the world. If Illinois were its own country, its economy would rival the Netherlands in sheer size & be as rich per capita as Singapore & Qatar – tiger economies that have showcased booming growth in short periods of time. But how is it that Illinois was able to grow just as immensely wealthy but still be depicted as a state in exodus? Changing this perception & increasing growth will be the biggest economic challenge Illinois faces. Low-growth economies cannot rise to meet the challenges of the future. But with the right plan, Illinois could secure the fastest growth rate in the world. This means raising the standard of living for people, protecting our planet & green spaces, & supporting the business community & its investors.