13 - Laserfiche WebLink

In 2012, the focus group responses were very positive, with respondents indicating collective enthusiasm for doing business in Pleasanton. Where the respondents noted areas in which there could be improvement — including consistency in the information delivered by City staff and challenges in knowing the appropriate person or department to contact — they qualified these comments with acknowledgment of the quality of the programs and services provided by the City. The tone of the 2015 focus groups was overwhelmingly positive, with almost none of the hesitancy or concern—particularly about economic conditions — of three years ago. Participants this year were also almost universally positive about the City's relationship with the business community about which JD Franz Research noted: If the City has been making concerted efforts to be more supportive of local businesses, it would appear that these efforts have been successful. Survey The feedback from the focus groups was used to adapt the original survey instrument for use in conducting the 2015 telephone survey. As in the focus groups, the primary purposes of the telephone survey were to measure the extent to which businesses are satisfied with their presence in the city and the services the City provides, to assess their expectations for the future, and to explore their perceptions and expectations relative broadband and cellular service in the community. During May and June of this year, a telephone survey was conducted with careful attention to reaching desired response rates as well as maintaining statistical validity. Results of this research indicate businesses in Pleasanton are generally very to extremely happy with their location. As in 2012, 91 percent find the community an excellent or good place to do business citing the city's positive environment, convenient and central location in the region, and friendly people including customers. This is underscored by the commentary in the focus groups about Pleasanton as a business location that was almost universally complimentary. And, it is important to note that more than nine in ten businesses anticipate they will still be in Pleasanton two years from now. Also of note is that 74 percent of those who were asked to complete the survey cooperated, an increase from 64 percent in 2012. According to JD Franz Research, a cooperation rate of such magnitude for a survey of this nature is very good, and likely reflects a considerable amount of support among members of Pleasanton's business community. In terms of specific characteristics of the city, most of the ratings of Pleasanton as a business location are above the level of good. This 2015 survey did find noticeable and statistically significant decreases in ratings of Pleasanton's location in terms of attracting qualified employees, retaining qualified employees, and finding appropriate business space. JD Franz Research's assessment is that while the first two of these may reflect the improving economy as reflected by the decreased vacancy rate and business growth, the latter suggests an area in which the City may need to consider taking action. All ratings of the City's infrastructure including roads, and electric, water and sewer services are above the level of good except for telecommunications services and public Page 3 of 5