Note: The survey mentioned below was conducted in February 2025. This post remains for archival purposes. Results of the survey can be found here.
Your Input is Needed.
There has been no shortage of disruption and change so far in 2025. The Trump Administration has initiated a number of efforts impacting both the public and private sectors, and Greater Iowa City, Inc. is closely monitoring and analyzing these initiatives. Many of these Executive Orders (EOs) could impact funding flows for organizations, businesses, nonprofits, and community partners, as well as other dynamics in our region.
We need your help to ensure our advocacy efforts reflect the realities on the ground. Please take a few moments to complete our brief survey. Your responses will help us understand how our community is responding to a changing landscape and inform the strategies we pursue moving forward.
- Business Survey: Complete the survey here
Additionally, we conduct our Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Survey year-round to continually gather insights from local businesses. You can always share your input through our ongoing BRE Survey: Participate here.
Nonprofit Survey: If you are a nonprofit, please take this survey until the end of the day on February 13, 2025. This survey is led by the nonprofit sector leaders.
We will keep you informed as we learn more with our colleagues and partners and are committed to providing practical insights and resources to support you. One way to ensure our advocacy remains strong is through data collection. By gathering valuable insights from businesses and nonprofits, we can shape policies and strategies that promote both economic and community resilience, ensuring minimal disruption to growth and stability.
Our Business Retention and Expansion Survey is a critical way that our region can continue to thrive. This BRE Survey is an opportunity for each business to help policymakers and community leaders understand what businesses are facing and how operations are so Greater IC and our partners can better advocate for real impactful solutions, rather than drawing inferences from what may be perception, rather than reality. This annual touchpoint keeps everyone connected for growth and opportunity.
How Data Supports Economic and Community Development
Economic and community development relies on understanding the challenges and opportunities within our region. By tracking key indicators, we can anticipate changes, guide decision-making, and advocate for solutions that benefit our businesses, nonprofits, and residents.
- Workforce and Employment Trends
Understanding labor market shifts, skill gaps, and workforce participation helps us advocate for workforce development programs and policies that address our region’s needs. - Business and Nonprofit Landscape
Data on business trends, closures, and nonprofit funding challenges informs strategies that support economic diversification and nonprofit sustainability. - Infrastructure and Community Needs
Reliable infrastructure and accessible services are critical for growth. By collecting feedback on transportation, housing, and essential services, we can push for policies that enhance economic and community development. - Anticipating Policy and Economic Disruptions
Policy changes, economic shifts, and global trends impact local businesses and organizations. By proactively collecting data and analyzing anticipated disruptions, we can provide data-driven recommendations to ensure our region remains adaptable and prepared for future challenges.
Chambers of commerce and community and economic development organizations have long been the steady leadership force driving regional economies. Despite countless crises and evolving dynamics, we continue to serve as trusted partners and catalytic leaders. We remain committed to providing practical insights and resources to support businesses, nonprofits, and the community.
You can learn more about the data we collect annually to inform our work and region here.
By working together and leveraging data, we can drive the outcomes that support a thriving and resilient Greater Iowa City region.
