The Iowa Chamber Alliance released its fourth Iowa Talent Poll on Jan. 21, a survey of more than 1,200 Iowa residents focused on talent attraction and retention.
Cygnal conducted the poll, which the Iowa Chamber Alliance created to assess Iowa’s strengths and weaknesses for labor force growth.
Poll respondents cited Iowa’s small-town feel, lower cost of living (59%), friendliness (62%) and safety (68.5%) as advantages over other locations.
However, concerns about achieving career and financial goals have persisted since 2021. Respondents identified stopping inflation and rising cost of living as the state’s top priority, along with creating jobs and addressing property taxes.
While 73.1% of respondents feel secure in their current jobs, nearly half (47.1%) believe they will have a lower standard of living in the future.
The poll also showed chambers of commerce serve as a trusted information source, with respondents viewing small businesses and local businesses as their most trusted institutions.
“This year’s Iowa Talent Poll continues to show a strong base for Iowa to market to working adults especially for young families and we hope policymakers continue to make investments to further grow the state as our chambers also work with our communities on that same goal,” Iowa Chamber Alliance board president John Hall stated.
More information is available at iowachamberalliance.com.
The Iowa Chamber Alliance is a nonpartisan coalition advocating for economic growth policies on behalf of leading chambers of commerce and economic development organizations across Iowa. The alliance represents more than 17,000 members ranging from small businesses to Fortune 100 companies. The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and Greater Iowa City Inc. are members.
