Study shows how historic destination continues to impact, influence New York on the cusp of its sesquicentennial

Chautauqua Institution, along with its patrons and property owners, generates more than $305 million in total economic impact for New York state, while serving as a key driver for the tourism industry in western New York and community development across Chautauqua County, according to a study released today.

In April 2022, Chautauqua Institution and Chautauqua Property Owners Association (CPOA) engaged Parker Philips, Inc. to measure their economic contribution in Chautauqua County, western New York and New York state.

The results show that, along with providing a quintessential space for healthy civil discourse, the Institution also serves as a vital contributor to economic development and employment with a significant state and local tax impact.

“Chautauqua’s mission has endured through two world wars, 28 U.S. presidents and numerous cultural revolutions,” said Dr. Michael E. Hill, president of Chautauqua Institution, which opens for its 150th season of cultural programming this month. “While our longevity alone is a tremendous feat, the story of Chautauqua Institution is one of ongoing economic and educational impact, contributing to county, region and state revenues through a world-class community for learning, discovery and spiritual exploration.”

The study captured and characterized the impact of both the Institution’s operations and property owner investments and contributions. The complete study can be found here.

Highlights include:

	Total Economic Impact	# of Jobs Supported, Sustained	Total State & Local Tax Impact
Chautauqua County	$233.1 million	3,208	$28.8 million
Western New York	$242.5 million	3,300	$29.9 million
New York State	$305.5 million	3,677	$34.8 million

Additionally, the 1,175 Chautauqua Property Owners own 2% of the properties in Chautauqua County and pay 15% of real property taxes in the county. Chautauqua property owner spending with local contractors, landscapers and vendors generates $36 million annually in Chautauqua County, supports 265 jobs and generates a total of $11.7 million in state and local taxes (including property, school, fire, and EMS). Further, they add $5.2 million in impact through volunteerism and charitable giving.

“While these figures are impressive on their own, the magic of this impact is seen in its repeatability and sustainability,” Hill continued. “Year after year, the Institution generates interest that enhances the quality of education, livability, and discoverability of the greater Chautauqua region; builds on the flourishing artistic and intellectual amenities of western New York; and augments New York’s reputation as a kaleidoscopic wonderland of cultural offerings, from one end to another.”

These numbers provide evidence of this, and according to Hill, reintroduces each of us to the prevailing influence of an enduring Empire State asset.

“Our economic impact is made possible by what the Institution has always been — an inclusive destination dedicated to enabling an exploration of the best in human values, and one that facilitates an enrichment of life through creative, educational and spiritual means,” Hill said.

About Chautauqua Institution
Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit, 750-acre community on Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State, where approximately 7,500 persons are in residence on any day during a nine-week season, and a total of more than 100,000 attend scheduled public events and even more engage online via the streaming channel CHQ Assembly. Chautauqua is dedicated to the exploration of the best in human values and the enrichment of life through a program that explores the important religious, social and political issues of our times; stimulates provocative, thoughtful involvement of individuals and families in creative response to such issues; and promotes excellence and creativity in the appreciation, performance and teaching of the arts. The Institution launches its 150th Summer Assembly June 24, 2023, and will celebrate its Sesquicentennial in 2024.

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