Local Communities | 14 Get Out West! Initiative The Western Governors’ Association reports that outdoor recreation in 19 western states results in $256 billion in direct spending and 2.3 million jobs.1 Ogden, UT The City of Ogden recognizes the potential to transform the city from a forlorn railroad town to one of the country’s top outdoor destinations. By investing in public space restoration, Ogden adds more jobs than any other region in the country, lowers crime by 33 percent, and secures more than $1.2 billion in investment – all while lowering taxes three times.2 Central Park, New York City, NY A cluster of enterprises, events and activities connected to Central Park generates $395 million in economic activity, and more than 3,780 jobs. Additionally, an analysis of NYC parks finds that land values of residential properties increase the closer they are to a park.3 Sturgis, SD The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally generates more than $800 million in economic activity to the region from an estimated 417,000 visitors who stay an average of nearly six days.4 Cincinnati, OH Research finds that homeowners are willing to pay a premium of $9,000 on houses that are within 1,000 feet of bike paths.5 Colorado The USA Pro Cycling Challenge reported more than $83.5 million in economic impact during the one-week period, with more than one million spectators lining the roads. Salt Lake City, Ut The Outdoor Retailer summer and winter trade shows draw more than 46,000 people annually to Salt Lake City, generating more than $40 million annually for the local community.6 Great Allegheny Passage Connecting Washington, D.C. to metro Pittsburgh, the trail generates $7 million in direct spending.7 Portland, OR The City of Portland targets the outdoor industry as part of its five-year economic growth and job creation strategy. The athletic and outdoor industry in Oregon directly employs more than 14,000 workers. Cody, Wy About 10 percent of jobs in Cody, Wyoming, are associated with direct spending on fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing. Hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers contribute an estimated $30.1 million to Cody’s economy.8 Access additional and expanded case studies about the economic impact of outdoor recreation online at outdoorindustry/recreationeconomy.org. 1 Western Governors’ Association, A Snapshot of The Economic Impact of Outdoor Recreation,2012. 2 City of Ogden, UT. 3 Central Park Conservancy, Valuing Central Park’s Contribution to New York City’s Economy, 2009. 4 City of Sturgis, SD. 5 University of Cincinnati, 2011, www.uc/edu/news/NR.aspx?id=14300. 6 Visit Salt Lake, 2010. 7 Allegheny Trail Alliance, The Great Allegheny Passage Economic Impact Study, 2007-2008. 8 Sportsmen for Responsible Energy Development, Conserving Lands and Prosperity: Seeking a Balance Between Conservation and Development in the Rocky Mountain West, 2012.
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