(Above) Daley Plaza near Clark & Washington in the Loop in April. Photo by Scott Teresi.

By Steven Dahlman

May 13, 2025 – Pedestrian activity on State Street in the Loop is approaching pre-pandemic levels, according to Chicago Loop Alliance’s “State of the Loop” report for the first quarter of 2025.

CLA reports that pedestrian traffic on State Street reached 14.9 million impressions, averaging 94 percent of levels seen in 2019. But starting in mid-January, weekend pedestrian activity exceeded 2019 averages by 122 percent.

Arts and culture attendance also surged, with over 1 million visitors generating $280 million in direct economic impact.

“The Loop represents less than half a percent of the city’s geography yet generates nearly 15 percent of the city’s tax revenue through a world-class theater district, educational institutions, and a resilient retail landscape,” said Michael Edwards (left), President and CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance.

However, Edwards expressed concern about a severe budget shortfall public transit is facing in 2026 that could lead to service cuts and fare increases for CTA, Metra, and Pace. A $1.5 billion investment is needed, he says, to maintain and enhance public transit services and support future growth.