In the heart of Chicago, Brad Tietz has dedicated his career to understanding the intricate workings of government, policy, and business relations. As the Vice President of Government Relations and Strategy at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Brad’s insight into the city’s business ecosystem is both wide-ranging and deeply impactful. For over 15 years, he’s helped shape policies that aim to enhance Chicago’s economy while balancing the practical realities of politics.

Brad’s story begins with a foundation rooted in community values. He studied political science at Illinois Wesleyan University, an experience that sparked his interest in local governance. Brad credits these early years with helping him hone a simple but powerful principle in his career: “Work hard, know your stuff, and be good to people.” This advice, passed down by a seasoned lobbyist, has been Brad’s guiding mantra. In a field often marked by high stakes and complex dynamics, Brad emphasizes the importance of respect and transparency, even when advocating for difficult policies.

Early in his career, Brad served as a legislative analyst, a position that introduced him to high-profile issues within Illinois’s House of Representatives. This role required him to dissect legislation, evaluate stakeholders, and understand both the promises and potential pitfalls of each bill. Brad describes these years as challenging yet foundational, as they offered a front-row seat to the legislative processes that would later shape his approach to advocacy.

Today, Brad’s work at the Chicagoland Chamber spans initiatives in economic development, workforce growth, and strategic policy advocacy. His influence is evident in initiatives such as the Illinois Data Center Tax Incentive. Originally a niche sector, data centers have since seen exponential growth, catapulting Illinois to second in the nation for data center development. This progress was no accident; it was a result of years of collaboration between Brad, industry leaders, and legislators who recognized the sector’s potential. “Data centers started with just a 1% growth rate before the incentive,” Brad says. “Now, we’re seeing over 20% growth.”

Economic growth, however, is not Brad’s sole focus. Workforce development, especially in underserved communities, is central to his mission. Recently, he worked to secure funding for community college programs tailored to the data center industry, creating pathways to high-paying jobs without a traditional four-year degree. These roles often pay well over $100,000, a major economic boost for residents who previously had limited access to such opportunities. This approach embodies Brad’s belief that economic policies should benefit every part of the community, fostering a sustainable model for local growth.

Brad also recognizes the importance of diversifying Chicago’s industry base. He’s championed initiatives in clean energy, life sciences, and film, all of which offer substantial job creation potential. One standout achievement has been the expansion of the film tax credit, which has reinvigorated Chicago as a sought-after production hub. As he explains, “Partnering with industry and labor organizations, we developed a fund that helps train residents from the South and West Sides in film production.” This program provides participants with skills for an industry where starting salaries often exceed $80,000.

Looking forward, Brad sees housing and childcare as two critical areas that Chicago must address to support economic resilience. Both issues directly impact workforce availability, and in Brad’s view, they are integral to attracting major investments, like the proposed $20 billion quantum computing campus. With an eye on the future, Brad is working to ensure that Chicago’s infrastructure can accommodate these next-generation industries.

When asked how he has sustained his drive over the years, Brad credits his early morning...