Chicago's Challenges Drive Major Company's Exit

A wealthy businessman recently shared his thoughts on why his company is leaving Chicago. Ken Griffin, who runs Citadel, a big investment firm, said that his company is reducing its presence in Chicago to just two floors in a building. This move started in 2022 because Griffin was unhappy with the high crime rates and taxes in the city. Griffin mentioned that many of his employees were eager to leave Chicago for places like New York or Miami. He noted that the number of employees in Chicago dropped from around 1, 300 to just a few hundred. Griffin's company used to occupy a large skyscraper, but now it will only have a small space.The decision to leave Chicago was influenced by personal experiences. Griffin talked about how one of his colleagues was robbed at gunpoint, and another was assaulted by a stranger. These incidents, along with other challenges, made it clear that the city was no longer a safe or attractive place for the company. Griffin expressed sadness that so many people were willing to leave their lives in Chicago behind. He believes that crime and other issues have made it difficult for people to stay in the city. This move comes as Chicago faces ongoing debates about how to reduce crime and improve safety. Recently, President Donald Trump has been discussing crime in Chicago with local leaders. The federal government has even sent National Guard members to protect a federal facility in the area. This situation highlights the ongoing struggles that Chicago is facing.