There has been a lot of
discussion in recent days objecting to the City’s recent announcement that it
will continue to enforce a long-standing tax on the use of certain streaming
and cloud-based technologies. This is primarily because the enforcement and collection
of the tax would hinder the development of startups whose businesses rely upon
or provide cloud computing and related services. Taxes like this would conflict
with Mayor Emanuel’s agenda to make Chicago the premier location to develop new
technology businesses, an agenda that the Mayor has pursued with great success
over the past four years.
Mayor Emanuel listened to the concerns expressed by 1871 and others in our community, and will be introducing exemptions and other relief for startups and other small businesses from these taxes. By ensuring that startups dependent on cloud-based technology are not subject to the tax, the Mayor has created an effective solution for our community and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that new digital businesses can continue to grow and create jobs throughout Chicago. We are appreciative of the growing vibrancy and economic contributions which the tech community is making to the city, and look forward to more opportunities to represent the community and to help shape Chicago’s economic future.
Mayor Emanuel listened to the concerns expressed by 1871 and others in our community, and will be introducing exemptions and other relief for startups and other small businesses from these taxes. By ensuring that startups dependent on cloud-based technology are not subject to the tax, the Mayor has created an effective solution for our community and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that new digital businesses can continue to grow and create jobs throughout Chicago. We are appreciative of the growing vibrancy and economic contributions which the tech community is making to the city, and look forward to more opportunities to represent the community and to help shape Chicago’s economic future.