This San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce‘s monthly business survey maintained a “steady streak of moderate confidence” with only a slight decline in July.
The index stood at 14.2, compared to 14.9 in June, but remained close to its long-term average and well above zero, which indicates neutral confidence.
“Looking ahead to the fall, San Diego County’s business community continues its steady streak of moderate confidence” the chamber said in announcing the results Wednesday. “Expectations about all four components of the index — hiring, hours offered to workers, revenue, and industry conditions — are holding steady since last month.”
The survey also asked local businesses about homelessness and found a consensus that the problem has worsened, with 57 percent now viewing it as a serious issue near their business. When asked what type of homeless housing programs business people would support within a quarter-mile of their location, two-thirds would welcome at least one type and 29 percent would embrace all three: permanent housing with wrap-around services, temporary shelters, and safe parking sites.
“It’s very encouraging to see our business community so supportive of providing services for the homeless,” said chamber President and CEO Jerry Sanders. “We know this is an issue that touches all parts of our community and we look forward to the business community’s participation as we work with partner organizations to find solutions.”
The monthly survey, sponsored by CalPrivate Bank, was fielded July 15-31 by Competitive Edge Research & Communication using responses from 201 randomly-selected members of the San Diego, East County, Alpine, Escondido, Lakeside, Vista, Santee, Encinitas, National City, and Coronado Chambers of Commerce.