Our Region Shows Up Strong in Iowa’s Business Outlook
When the future is uncertain, the best thing a community can do is listen. In Iowa’s latest Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) survey, local businesses across the Greater Iowa City region made their voices heard, and their message is clear: confidence, commitment, and collaboration define the path forward.
Greater Iowa City, Inc. was proud to contribute to the statewide responses, earning recognition for our regional participation. It’s a signal that local employers are engaged, invested, and ready to help shape the future of our economy.
What We’re Hearing from Businesses
Statewide, 40% of companies plan to expand within the next three years. Only 6% anticipate contraction. In our region, the outlook is even stronger: nearly every company surveyed expects to maintain or grow operations, and 80% say they’re satisfied with their community as a place to do business.
That kind of stability doesn’t happen by accident. It reflects the deep alignment between local government, economic development, and private industry. It’s also worth noting that 77% of businesses across Iowa report no recent or upcoming leadership change, another indicator of long-term commitment and steady footing.
Clear Skies for International and Local Operations
One surprising insight: international business is running smoothly. Across Iowa, 88% of exporters report no regulatory challenges abroad. In our region, that number remains strong at 79%. Locally, 72% of companies also say they aren’t experiencing burdensome regulations, reinforcing what we know to be true: strong public-private partnerships make doing business easier.
Shared Priorities for a Stronger Future
When asked what matters most for long-term success, Iowa’s business leaders rallied around three themes:
- Expanding workforce housing options
- Upskilling and reskilling the workforce
- Improving talent attraction
These goals echo national trends and reinforce the work we’re already doing here in Johnson County. Housing, training, and mobility aren’t just economic issues. They’re design challenges we can solve together.
Let’s Keep Building Together
Greater IC is committed to staying in step with our business community by listening, responding, and co-creating solutions that work for today and tomorrow. We’re not just following a statewide roadmap. We’re helping draw it.
This isn’t a future that happens to us…it’s one we get to shape.
