Effective economic development strategy requires listening to businesses and responding to their needs. Through the Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Survey, Greater Iowa City, Inc. annually gathers critical information about our business climate, which directly informs our advocacy, programs, and strategic initiatives.
The 2026 Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Survey is now open and available online for employers across Johnson County. This survey invites businesses to share information about current operations, future site plans, and emerging opportunities or challenges.
BRE Survey results improve our understanding of the business landscape in Johnson County, from individual employer experiences to broader economic trends. When Greater IC hears directly from employers, we can connect them to the right resources, programs, and partnerships to support future operations and long-term, local success.
The BRE Survey helps:
- Strengthen business and workforce retention and expansion
- Develop proactive, short- and long-term solutions for business challenges
- Connect employers to local tools, programs, and resources
- Foster collaboration between private and public partners
- Provide a clearer picture of economic trends in Johnson County through aggregated results
Turning Data into Action
At Greater IC, data drives decision-making. The BRE Survey is an important, structured tool for gathering direct feedback from the business community. The survey combines standardized questions from the Iowa Economic Development Authority with locally developed questions tailored to our region. All individual responses remain anonymous, and findings are analyzed in aggregate to provide an annual snapshot of the county’s business climate.
Recent survey results demonstrate how business feedback translates into action. In 2024, 61% of respondents indicated that increased housing opportunities for workforce should be prioritized to increase the competitiveness of the county, and, the top indicated challenge for employers was recruitment. In response, Greater IC advanced policy efforts in 2025 and 2026 to expand attainable housing options for working households across the region. 2024 BRE Survey results were integral in shaping 2025 policy priorities.
A More Complete Picture of Johnson County
The BRE Survey complements other data initiatives at Greater IC, including the Community Data Dashboard, which tracks more than 30 indicators related to business climate and quality of life. While these metrics provide valuable quantitative insights, the BRE Survey adds real-time perspectives from local employers.
Together, these quantitative and qualitative data sources create a more complete and actionable understanding of Johnson County. This survey helps bridge the gap between broad trends and on-the-ground business experiences.
Connect with Greater IC and Take the 2026 BRE Survey
The 2026 BRE Survey is available online to all Johnson County employers. To learn more, ask questions, or schedule a time to complete the survey in person, please reach out to Evan Doyle, Economic Development Program Director, at evan@greateriowacity.com.
