Business Council Member Survey Finds Overall Affordability Remains Threat to New York’s Competitiveness
Healthcare Costs Are Top Concern for Businesses
Albany, NY — The Business Council of New York State’s Winter Survey signaled a clear and consistent message from members across the state: affordability remains the single greatest challenge to doing business in New York, with rising costs negatively impacting growth, investment, and long-term confidence.
A majority of members surveyed report that the cost of operating in New York is now barely affordable or not affordable at all. As costs continue to rise, employers are responding by increasing prices, delaying hiring, postponing investment, and, in some cases, considering expansion outside New York.
More than half of respondents, 53%, describe the overall cost of doing business in New York as “barely affordable,” while an additional 23% say it is “not affordable at all.” Only one quarter view costs as “somewhat affordable.”
Healthcare Cost Concerns
Among all cost concerns, healthcare stands out as the most significant and unsustainable burden for employers. Nearly all respondents report that health insurance costs have increased in recent years, with 86% citing “significant” increases. The vast majority, 94%, describe healthcare costs as a “major” or “moderate” burden. Half report that health insurance accounts for 5 to 10% of total costs, with nearly one quarter spending more than 10% on healthcare.
The survey, sent to more than 1,400 Business Council members, was conducted from November 2025 to February 2026.
# # #
The Business Council of New York State has more than 3,000 members serving over 1 million private-sector workers. Over 70% of our members are small businesses
