Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Wednesday stood with key business and labor leaders as well as several aldermen to announce Chicago's plan for job growth.
"Give us a blueprint," Emanuel said, and "make sure we don't have another decade" like the previous one.
The first draft of what the mayor's office called a "powerful, regional economic growth plan" is meant to devise strategies for job creation. Emanuel, who ordered up the plan last fall, pointed to 10 such way to help advance Chicago's economy.
Some of the goals include becoming a lead hub for advanced manufacturing, making the city business friendly and making sure Chicago is a lead exporter.
Tourism is a big part of the plan too. It calls for making Chicago a premier tourist and entertainment destination.
“A global city like Chicago needs a clear set of goals, a clear framework for analysis and clear strategies for economic growth and the creation of jobs,” Emanuel said in a statement.
He said the economic plan aims to get business leaders working with labor, public sector and non-profit communities.
"This is an important step in that direction and I am looking forward to incorporating the public’s input and comment as we develop this vision for our economic future, enabling the creation of more of the jobs that our city needs,” Emanuel said.
The first draft was created by a committee led by World Business Chicago, chaired by Emanuel.
Before it becomes official, the committee will get public comment and work with Chicagoans, civic groups and to refine it.
Emanuel added that Chicago is the only city that will become a "mega city" by 2030."
