How can the City better assist its current, and future, businesses? Issaquah conducted a survey in 2012 to find out!

Of the 2,300 businesses surveyed, more than 270 responded. In addition, 30 businesses participated in longer, in-person interviews.

The results
View the City's presentation to the City Council and final report.

Overall, 73 percent of businesses surveyed said that Issaquah was a “good” or “excellent” place to do business. Most (83 percent) firms interviewed said that they were satisfied or completely satisfied with the city staff responsiveness.

Key points from the survey include:

• Transportation is a challenge.
• Businesses want more visibility.
• Businesses are ready to expand, but many lack the space.
• Issaquah’s job creators need more talent.
• Issaquah employers rank housing affordability as the number one issue to recruit and retain employees.
• Accessibility is a key business asset.

What’s next?
The Economic Development staff are communicating the findings of this report back to the business community, including the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Issaquah Association.

In addition, the report will be used by the Economic Vitality Commission and City’s Economic Development Department to shape their work plans and programs. 

Economic Development staff look forward to working with the business community to discover solutions to challenges such as transportation, the sign code and parking downtown.

The 2012 fall survey effort was an extensive first attempt at connecting with business owners and learning about their concerns, but this was really only a beginning to the department’s outreach efforts.

Economic Development staff will continue with business visitations throughout the year in order to remain responsive to the business community and to encourage a thriving, robust business community in Issaquah.
 
Contact
Andrea Lehner
Economic Development Manager
425-837-3424