City reports findings from 2025 business outlook survey
Small businesses dominate survey responses across industries
– The City of Paso Robles released findings from its 2025 Business Climate and Economic Outlook Survey, which gathered responses from active city business license holders across multiple industries.
The survey serves as an action item within the City Council–approved Economic Development Strategic Plan and examines current economic conditions, challenges, and opportunities reported by local businesses.
Survey results show respondents rated the local business climate higher than statewide conditions. Overall confidence in Paso Robles remained steady, while respondents reported a more cautious outlook for the coming year. Businesses cited rising operating costs, workforce pressures, and broader economic uncertainty as contributing factors.
High operating costs, including rent, insurance, utilities, and inflation, ranked as the most significant challenge. Workforce availability and regulatory complexity followed. Hiring conditions remained largely unchanged from the previous year, with most businesses reporting similar difficulty in finding qualified employees. The share of businesses planning to increase staffing levels remained the same as in 2024, while the percentage expecting to reduce staffing more than doubled.
Responses also reflected a predominantly small-business economy, with most respondents employing fewer than 10 people. Businesses identified opportunities for growth in tourism diversification, population-driven services, and emerging industries such as aerospace, technology, and advanced manufacturing. These areas align with the city’s long-term economic development strategy.
The survey showed moderate but improving satisfaction with city support and communication. Businesses reported fewer negative experiences than in the previous year and cited economic development efforts while noting the need for continued improvements in permitting efficiency, transparency, and outreach.
“We value the candid feedback provided by our business community,” said Paul Sloan, economic development manager. “These insights help guide our ongoing work to strengthen Paso Robles’ economy, support local employers, and ensure that our policies and initiatives reflect real-world needs and opportunities.”
The city will use the survey findings to continue advancing goals within the Economic Development Strategic Plan, including business retention, workforce development, infrastructure investment, and economic diversification.
Click here to view the full report.
