CORA has joined with other state groups and national industry partners in a new State Outdoor Business Alliance Network (SOBAN). The informal coalition will share information and best practices as we work to promote outdoor recreation infrastructure and participation that support our economies.
SOBAN’s first project was to work with Headwaters Economics, an independent, nonpartisan research group, on a report highlighting how investments in outdoor recreation can benefit state and local economies. “Inspiring the Future Outdoor Recreation Economy” describes how the national outdoor recreation sector is thriving and provides specific examples from states across the country.
In 2019 outdoor recreation contributed $459.8 billion to the national gross domestic product, and employment grew to over 5.1 million people. Participation in outdoor recreation continues to grow, even during the pandemic (up 4.6% from 2019 to 2020), and new participants are younger and have more racial, ethnic, and gender diversity.
Investments in outdoor recreation can pay dividends in attracting and retaining businesses and residents, improving public health, and spillover spending and tax revenue as visitors spend money at other nearby businesses. They not only can help lead economic recovery after the pandemic but also provide pathways for long-term economic success.
Read the complete report on SOBAN’s website.
