Mayor Brandon Johnson Cuts Ribbon At Xchange Tech Workforce And Innovation Hub In Grand Crossing

CHICAGO - Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Ald. Desmond Yancy (5th), Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Ciere Boatright, leaders from P33, Xchange, SDI Presence, the Comer Science and Education Foundation, as well as Xchange apprentices and local residents for a ceremonial ribbon cutting at Xchange Chicago, a new state-of-the-art IT services and innovation center which is bringing new jobs and workforce training opportunities to Grand Crossing and the surrounding communities. The project, which received developmental support from DPD, is projected to create up to 8,000 new jobs while generating $160 million in City-wide annual economic impact.

"Xchange has already created dynamic career pathways and economic opportunities for more than 50 South Side residents in just over a year," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "The partners who brought Xchange to life, and the customers who believed in the vision, have made this beautiful new tech facility in Grand Crossing a reality. Together, their mentorship, training and supportive resources are helping to build a stronger Chicago and paving the way for thousands of life-changing technology jobs here on the South Side."

Photos from the ribbon cutting ceremony are available here.

The project embodies the Johnson administration's commitment to inclusive growth and investment in communities which have been overlooked. The facility is projected to generate $20 million in annual recurring economic activity within Grand Crossing.

"Over the years as industry packed up and left the city, this community was left on the verge of death," said Ald. Desmon Yancy. "But, to this day our community has remained resilient and continued to push forward. To be here today, seeing new growth, seeing this beautiful orange building being reimagined as a tech hub that's going to benefit people in this community, we see what happens when we all come together and make a difference."

The project was awarded a $5 million Community Development Grantby DPD which helped cover associated construction and development costs. Funding for Community Development Grants is made available by Mayor Johnson's $1.25B Housing and Economic Development Bond.

"I want to congratulate the entire project team, its partners, and everyone who contributed their combined ingenuity, resources, and willpower to make this project possible," said DPD Commissioner Ciere Boatright. "When we stand together, we stand stronger, and that unity is exactly what fuels real change. Together we're making the critical investments to create new jobs, empower neighborhoods, and give communities the tools and support they need to turn the page on disinvestment."

Located across from the Comer Education Center at 7247 S Chicago Ave., the new site builds upon Xchange's existing apprenticeship programs which train individuals for careers in IT and tech. Once completed, trainees begin their careers as apprentices with SDI in a part-time or full-time role immediately. Xchange has already placed 55 Chicago-based apprentices in full-time roles, generating more than $3.25 million in family sustaining wages and benefits.

"We're excited to continue to help Chicago's leading corporations redirect some of their IT outsourcing spend toward local services and talent," said Hardik Bhatt, CEO, SDI Presence. "We have made an intentional 10-year lease commitment to the Xchange onshore tech delivery center. We are glad to be a part of the solution that helps apprentices build lasting tech careers and become a true economic catalyst for the community-creating a win-win for businesses and Chicago."

"Xchange is a workforce development story that is making a significant impact on the local community," said Brad Henderson, CEO at P33. "We are opening up real, life-changing opportunities in technology fields from AI to cloud computing and cybersecurity for residents, and at the same time bringing millions of dollars in overseas IT investment back to the U.S. and Chicago."

"There's exceptional talent here in Grand Crossing and the surrounding neighborhoods that just needs tools to thrive," said Greg Mooney, President and Executive Director, Comer Science & Education Foundation. "As we scale and continue to graduate more apprentices into full-time roles, we estimate generating more than $70 million in the community every year."

Read more about Xchange Chicago here.

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