Municipal Survey: Businesses Prioritize Spending Restraint, Safer Communities, and Infrastructure Renewal
For Immediate Release
VANCOUVER, B.C. — Businesses are heading into the 2026 municipal election looking for greater discipline from local governments, with 86% calling for annual property tax increases to be limited to approximately 2% (inflation) or less, while 71% support a dedicated infrastructure fund when revenues are used exclusively for infrastructure renewal and investment, according to a new Greater Vancouver Board of Trade member survey. The findings point to a business community that is not opposed to municipal investment but wants governments to focus spending on core services, improve accountability, and reduce the costs and delays that make it harder to operate and invest.
"This survey shows that businesses are not asking municipalities to simply spend less, they are asking them to spend better," said Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. "Businesses are prepared to support investment in infrastructure and community safety when they can see clear priorities, accountability and results. At the same time, governments need to redouble efforts to reduce the red tape, delays and costs that make it harder to invest, hire and grow."
Ease of Doing Business
Businesses identified ease of doing business (50%), economic development and investment attraction (48%), and infrastructure renewal, investment, and asset management (46%) as the most important issues municipal governments should prioritize.
The municipal cost pressures respondents identified as having the greatest impacts were:
- compliance and administrative burden (43%),
- property taxes (42%), and;
- and permitting delays (42%).
Community Safety
When asked about the issues most affecting business operations, respondents pointed to street disorder and safety perceptions (67%), employee and customer safety concerns (48%), and vandalism and property crime (39%)
To improve safety, businesses most strongly supported:
- Partnerships for mental health and social support (70%),
- Coordinated policing and bylaw presence (53%), and;
- Lighting, maintenance, and activation of public spaces (46%).
The business community recognizes that creating safer neighbourhoods requires a balanced and collaborative approach. The survey results show support not only for enforcement measures, with police as a top investment area for the city’s operating budget, but also for stronger mental health and social support. Businesses want communities where employees feel safe coming to work, customers feel comfortable visiting commercial districts, and vulnerable individuals can access the supports they need. Safe, welcoming public spaces are essential to vibrant local economies and thriving communities.
Infrastructure and Transportation
Infrastructure emerged as a key priority throughout the survey. A significant majority of respondents (71%) support a dedicated infrastructure fund, provided revenues are directed exclusively toward infrastructure renewal and investment.
Businesses understand that infrastructure is not simply a municipal expense; it is an economic enabler. Respondents want municipalities to maintain existing assets, address infrastructure deficits, and build the transportation systems needed to support a growing region and economy.
- Engineering and public works was identified as the top operating budget priority (62%).
- Streets and transportation infrastructure as the top capital investment priority (67%).
- 58% support new rapid transit projects where demand justifies investment.
- 53% support improved maintenance and safety of existing transportation networks.
- 53% support reliable and frequent transit service.
Governance and Accountability
The survey points to a desire for municipal governments that are focused, accountable, and effective. Businesses are looking for greater consistency across jurisdictions, stronger financial oversight, and a renewed focus on delivering core services. Respondents signalled that municipal governments should prioritize efficient service delivery, clear governance, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
- 61% support aligning the Vancouver Building Code with the BC Building Code.
- 54% oppose municipalities becoming developers of rental housing.
- 50% support some form of municipal amalgamation across the region.
- Nearly 60% identified increased cost control and financial oversight and greater focus on core services and infrastructure as the top priorities for Metro Vancouver Regional District reform.
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About the survey:
The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade surveyed its membership from June 8 - June 26 to identify business priorities and perspectives about their general priorities. It is not meant to endorse or support any candidates, parties, or ideas of candidates or parties.
We received 129 responses. 72% of responses are based in the City of Vancouver with the remainder located in various municipalities across Greater Vancouver.
76% of responses were from small businesses (with 500 or fewer employees) and 24% of respondents were from organizations with 500+ employees.
About the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade:
Since its inception in 1887, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been recognized as Western Canada's leading business association, engaging our members to inform public policy at all levels of government and empowering them to succeed and prosper in the global economy. With a Membership whose employees comprise one-third of B.C.'s workforce, we are the largest business association between Victoria and Toronto. We leverage this collective strength, facilitating networking opportunities and providing professional development through unique programs. In addition, we operate one of the largest events platforms in the country, providing a stage for national and international thought leaders to enlighten B.C.'s business leaders.
Media contact:
Federico Cerani
Communications Manager
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
604-640-5450 | media@boardoftrade.com