Economic development staff presented the results of the 2025 West Allis annual business survey to the committee, saying the survey provided actionable feedback on how the city can support local businesses.

Carson Goldfield summarized headline findings: 94% of survey respondents said they were somewhat or very satisfied conducting business in West Allis, and an identical 94% said they would recommend the city to other entrepreneurs. Staff highlighted location, community diversity and an engaged local business mix as reasons businesses choose West Allis.

Survey respondents identified costs and difficulty finding employees as the top business challenges; staff noted that 60% of respondents said they plan to renovate or expand in the next two years. The presentation also included a short-answer section that surfaced specific operational hurdles businesses face when opening or expanding.

Council members praised staff outreach and the city’s hands-on approach to helping entrepreneurs navigate permits and code compliance, and asked staff to continue targeted assistance and outreach to small business operators. Staff said they will use survey findings to inform programming, recruitment and infrastructure priorities including pedestrian improvements and events that help incubate small businesses.