WEBINAR – Economic Potential of the Great American Rail Trail
A new analysis by Headwaters Economics in partnership with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy reveals that the Great American Rail-Trail®—the nation’s first cross-country multiuse trail—will have a significant economic impact on the communities it serves due to the trail’s potential to bring visitors, businesses, spending, jobs, income and tax revenue to the communities along the 3,700-mile route.
The Great American Rail-Trail could contribute $161 million or more to the GDP, but only with the investment and support of communities that host the trail. This webinar discusses the economic impact analysis and spotlights a Great American Rail-Trail host community—Council Bluffs, Iowa—as a case study on leveraging trail-oriented development as part of a wider economic development strategy for attracting and retaining residents and businesses.
Panelists:
- Liz Thorstensen, Vice President of Trail Development, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
- Megan Lawson, PhD, Economist, Headwaters Economics
- Brandon Garrett, Chief of Staff, City of Council Bluffs, Iowa
- Moderator: Kevin Belanger, Project Manager, Great American Rail-Trail, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Related Links
- Great American Rail-Trail
- GRT 2022 Route assessment
- Economic Potential of the Great American Rail Trail report
- GRT Iowa page
- Explore Council Bluffs’ trail network
- FIRST AVE Trail
- On FIRST podcast and Kevin Belanger’s episode
- Headwaters Economics Outdoor Recreation page
- Headwaters Economics Trail Library
- Resource Library – Economic Impact
Learn more about the Great American Rail-Trail on our website.
RTC’s Trail Expert Network and Policy team produce a free webinar series designed to help trail professionals build, grow, manage, maintain, promote or otherwise support trails and trail networks. Sign up here to get webinar alerts.
Have a comment or question on our webinar series? Contact us below with topic or speaker ideas. We appreciate your feedback! Email us.
Donate
Everyone deserves access to safe ways to walk, bike, and be active outdoors.