Greater Iowa City, Inc. has opened its 2026 Business Retention and Expansion Survey, inviting Johnson County employers to share information about current operations, future site plans, and emerging opportunities or challenges.
The annual survey combines standardized questions from the Iowa Economic Development Authority with locally developed questions tailored to the region. All individual responses remain anonymous, and findings are analyzed in aggregate to produce an annual snapshot of the county’s business climate.
Results from the survey directly inform Greater IC’s advocacy, programs, and strategic initiatives. According to the release, when Greater IC hears directly from employers, the organization can connect them to resources, programs, and partnerships to support future operations and long-term local success.
Recent survey data illustrates how results shape policy. In 2024, 61% of respondents indicated that increased housing opportunities for the workforce should be prioritized to improve the county’s competitiveness, and recruitment ranked as the top challenge cited by employers. Greater IC said those findings were integral in shaping 2025 policy priorities, and the organization advanced policy efforts in 2025 and 2026 to expand attainable housing options for working households across the region.
The BRE Survey complements Greater IC’s Community Data Dashboard, which tracks more than 30 indicators related to business climate and quality of life. Together, the organization said, the two data sources are intended to bridge the gap between broad economic trends and on-the-ground business experiences.
The 2026 BRE Survey is available online to all Johnson County employers. Businesses seeking more information, or wishing to schedule an in-person session to complete the survey, may contact Evan Doyle, economic development program director, at [email protected].
