Upstate Business Leader Survey: CEOs Lack Confidence in State Government

LOUDONVILLE — According to a recent survey of Upstate New York business leaders, only 11% of CEOs say New York’s government is doing an excellent or good job creating a business climate in which companies can succeed, and only 15% are confident in the ability of the state government to improve the business climate.

The results of the 18th Annual Upstate New York Business Leader Survey conducted by the Siena College Research Institute, UHY, the Business Council of New York State, and the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation were revealed last week.

The survey also showed that 35% of CEOs (up from 13% last year) now express confidence in the federal government’s ability to improve business conditions for New York companies following Donald Trump’s election. 31% (up from 18% last year) expect business conditions in New York to improve over the coming year. The survey was completed immediately after the November presidential election.

“Despite little faith in New York’s government, Upstate CEOs are more optimistic about business conditions this year, and expect a better 2025,” said Siena College Research Institute Director Don Levy. “Over half of CEOs call on Albany to cut spending and reform both business and personal taxation and of all the challenges they face, the ‘winner’ is governmental regulation.”