Seattle Chamber of Commerce: The Index
Tracking Public Opinion to Shape Policy and Address Key Issues in Seattle
Since 2021, EMC Research has partnered with the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to conduct The Index, a multi-modal survey designed to assess public opinion on critical policy issues and quality of life in the region. The data informs policy debates and tracks Seattle’s progress in addressing its challenges.
The Problem
As Seattle faced pressing challenges related to public safety, homelessness, and economic development, the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce wanted a way to monitor the public’s evolving views on these issues. Understanding how residents perceived the city’s policies, leadership, and quality of life was essential for both the Chamber and city leaders to make informed decisions.
With frequent debates surrounding the use of tax dollars, public safety, and homelessness, there was a growing demand for real-time data to influence key policy conversations. However, gathering accurate and actionable insights from Seattle’s diverse population presented a significant challenge.
EMC Research’s Strategy
To meet the Chamber’s needs, EMC Research developed The Index, a comprehensive, multi-modal research project that gathers data through telephone and online surveys. This methodology ensures a wide reach, allowing residents from all walks of life to participate.
The Index tracks public opinion on a variety of critical issues, including homelessness, public safety, and economic policy, offering real-time insights into the evolving concerns of Seattle residents. By regularly releasing this data to the public, EMC Research and the Chamber ensure transparency, providing the community and decision-makers with reliable, current information to guide policy decisions.
Our Results
The Index has become a widely recognized tool for understanding public sentiment in Seattle. Its findings have been frequently cited by local media outlets, influencing the discourse around public safety, taxation, and homelessness. The data has helped shape conversations leading up to pivotal elections, guiding city leadership and informing the Chamber’s advocacy efforts.
Media mentions of The Index span major news outlets such as The Seattle Times, KOMO News, and KUOW, reinforcing its role as a critical resource for public opinion in the region. By providing transparent, real-time insights, EMC Research has empowered the Chamber and the community to track progress on Seattle’s most pressing challenges.
