Dallas Zoo supporters are reportedly citing a $3.2 billion economic-impact forecast as Dallas considers a proposed 3% reduction to the zoo’s budget amid a multimillion-dollar shortfall.
The $3.2 billion is a 12-year consultant projection, not economic impact that has already occurred.
What the forecast includes
The City of Dallas agenda packet attributes the forecast to Tourism Economics and Canopy Strategic Partners. Among the projected amounts over 12 years are:
- $1.7 billion in direct spending
- $597 million in zoo operational spending, included in the direct-spending estimate
- $1.1 billion in off-site patron spending, also included in direct spending
- $149.9 million in state and local taxes
The forecast’s role in the budget debate does not change its status: The spending, tax and overall impact figures are projections rather than results already recorded.
