Park City, UT — The Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau in partnership with Mountainlands Community Housing Trust recently unveiled the Affordable Housing Economic Impact Analysis. The report emphasizes the community benefits, economic value and opportunity costs of affordable housing across the Wasatch Back, informing the Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau’s upcoming initiatives to assist seasonal and local workers.

The analysis identified the impact 100 resident housing units has on the economy and community, including:

  • 66,000 commute hours eliminated annually, reducing the value of time savings by $1.2 million per year.
  • 3.3 million vehicle miles reduced each year, leading to a $75,000 decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.
  • $180,000 in local revenues generated through per-pupil funding from the State of Utah for 40 school-aged children.
  • $150,000 in added value from increased volunteer labor contributions annually.
  • 173 positions filled, resulting in $43.1 million in economic impact for the community.
  • $4.2 million in local household spending.
  • $73,000 in new local sales tax revenue.
  • $186,000 in new local property tax revenue.

“As we approach the peak season, this report is especially timely, shedding light on the critical role affordable housing plays in sustaining our community,” said Scott House, VP of partner services. “While analyzing the key impacts, it’s essential to highlight the opportunity costs as well. For example, if we heavily rely on in-commuters, who currently contribute to 70% of our employment growth, we face additional expenses, such as the need for parking."

These findings underscore the importance of our affordable housing initiatives, including the Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau’s partnership with Mountainlands Housing Community Trust and Rossignol to relaunch the workforce employer rental incentive program (WE RIP). Under WE RIP, landlords can apply online and rent to the local workforce for their choice of Rossignol alpine skis, nordic skis or snowboard and bindings, a one week HOTWORX pass and other potential incentives. Rentals will be listed on the WE RIP website and available until rented to all employees of Chamber partners. Last year, the program incentivized 12 units, comprising 19 rooms and up to 34 beds, and this season, the program hopes to incentivize 40-50 beds. In addition, the Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau has renewed the Slopeside Village partnership, offering a 10% discount on leases, special month-to-month lease terms and waived short term lease fees of $200 per month through Oct. 31. To view the current rates, visit slopesidevillage.com.

To learn more about other ways to support affordable housing in the Park City community, visit housinghelp.org/housing-resource-center. Program details, guidelines, the landlord application and a rental inventory list can all be found on the Mountainlands website at housinghelp.org/housing-resource-center/we-rip/. To learn more about other Park City Chamber resources, visit parkcitychamber.com/resources/. For additional information about the Park City Chamber, visit parkcitychamber.com. To learn more about Mountainlands Housing, visit housinghelp.org/. For more information on Rossignol, visit rossignol.com/us-en .

About Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau

Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau represents over 1,000 businesses in Summit County. Founded in 1963 to promote local ski resorts, today, the Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau is entrusted with fostering the health and wellbeing of the local community. From maintaining economic stability and addressing environmental concerns to developing sustainable tourism plans and preserving cultural heritage, the organization prides itself on being in the community for the community. Our Mountainkind brand is designed to support destination stewardship. For more information, visit visitparkcity.com.