Facebook is planning a “major expansion” in Chicago, according to the social media behemoth and city officials.
Matty de Castro, Facebook’s U.S. head of industry, said Chicago has been the company’s Midwest home since 2007.
“Our continued investment in this community underscores its strong talent pipeline and thriving technology ecosystem, which make it a great location to expand our Global Marketing Solutions and Recruiting teams,” de Castro said. “Thanks to Mayor Emanuel for his ongoing support of the tech sector and for creating a business environment in Chicago for companies like Facebook to grow and thrive.”
Facebook has already signed a lease for a 263,000 square foot, 35-story tower at 151 N. Franklin St., a spokesman for the company said.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Facebook’s decision to expand in Chicago is due to the skilled residents of the city and its “fast-growing tech sector.”
“For businesses looking to innovate and invest in the jobs of the 21st century, Chicago is the future,” Emanuel said in a statement. “I look forward to seeing Facebook continue to grow and thrive in their new home in the city of Chicago.”
Facebook also announced earlier this month its plans to train 1 million people and small business in digital skills by 2020.
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In Chicago, Facebook is teaming up with the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership and the City Colleges of Chicago “to support the work they’re doing to help both students and people searching for new career opportunities succeed in today’s innovation-driven workplace.”
The plan includes funding 50 scholarships for students to attend coding bootcamps and helping to expand the digital marketing curriculum with City Colleges.
