Cascade Planning Group E. D. Hovee Land Use • Economics • & Company, LLC Development Economic and Development Services

P.O. Box 372 2408 Main Street Camas, 98607 P.O. Box 225 (360) 607-9816 , WA 98660 (360) 696-9870 [email protected] [email protected]

SUMMARY RESULTS

To: Eric Fuller, Columbia River Economic Development Council

From: Paul Dennis, AICP, Principal and Eric Hovee, Principal

Subject: Economic & Fiscal Benefits Analysis of Multi-Use Facility to Attract

Date: July 27, 2011

Owners of the Yakima Bears are contemplating moving their single-A franchise from Yakima, WA to Vancouver, WA. This relocation became possible with the departure of the to Tucson, leaving the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area unencumbered by Baseball’s neighboring county franchise rules for the first time in a century. Owners are asking local elected officials to create a new multi-use facility that not only the Bears will use and help finance, but it would be available for other public and non-profit organizations as well.

Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC) has been asked to weigh in on the proposal. CREDC attained the professional services of Cascade Planning Group (CPG) and E.D. Hovee & Company to provide an objective analysis of the potential economic and fiscal effects of the Yakima Bears relocation proposal. Results of the analysis are summarized within this report.

SUMMARY FINDINGS AND OBSERVATIONS Principal findings and observations resulting from this economic and fiscal assessment are summarized as follows:

The Single-A attendance averaged 2,943 in 2010, and averages 70 percent of capacity attendance. This attendance is in line with the 3,000 average at Single-A facilities across the country in recent years. Attendance held steady throughout the economic recession. With the relatively large population base in Clark County, proximity to Portland and size of facility, one would comfortably expect attendance of around 3,400-3,500 per game.

Proposed low-end single-game ticket prices of around $7 is within the range of $6-7 for all teams in the Northwest League with the exception of the franchise in Vancouver BC market which begins at $10 and the Yakima franchise at $5.50. Other price ranges compare similarly.

The proposed multi-use facility is a $22.7 million project. This is about $4 million lower than other comparable facilities constructed over the past decade, presumably in part because of the unique partnership with Clark College for land and parking during non-peak times. This allows all parties involved to realize certain economies of scale and utilize existing infrastructure.

Cascade Planning Group & E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC for CREDC: Economic & Fiscal Assessment of the Yakima Bears’ Relocation Proposal Page 1 The proposed public-private funding split of 70/30 for the capital portion of the project is in line with six other stadium projects in our analysis, although two were funded heavily by adjoining universities, and two were funded completely from public resources.

Construction of the facility would create about $34.5 million in direct and indirect economic activity, creating 280 direct and indirect full-time jobs during the construction phase. The team would have at least a dozen on its full-time payroll, and another 120-140 part-time employees for home games. The direct and indirect economic impact of the baseball team alone would be about $4.6 million annually after construction.

The multi-use facility would serve as an attractive championship facility for tournaments of multiple sports and all ages. With an estimated average tournament impact of $400,000 and a goal of 10-15 tournaments a year, the facility’s economic impact to the community could be expected to double. Obviously, each tournament will vary in its economic impact to the local community and the estimates provided here are used to provide a relative measure of economic benefit to the local economy.

The construction phase would generate about $2.3 million in taxes, and ongoing operations of the team alone would generate another $250,000 annually. Forecast tournament tax proceeds would likely raise annual tax proceeds to reach $600,000 or more.

Clark College expects to save at least $60,000 in operating costs. More significantly, construction of the proposed facility would alleviate potentially costly Title IX issues and assure a robust men’s and women’s athletic program for Clark College. The facility also is expected to be integrated into Clark College educational and teaching opportunities, providing students a real-life classroom in multiple disciplines.

Other potential benefits include: the facility becoming an anchor tenant in a downtown entertainment corridor as outlined in the Central Park neighborhood plan; a reduction in over-use of other grass fields in the county; economic and community benefits from other activities held at the venue; addressing a need for infrastructure to attract business and economic activity as noted in the recent CREDC report by TIP Strategies.

ECONOMIC & FISCAL IMPACT METHODOLOGY Representatives from the Yakima Bears, public agencies, and research conducted by the consultants have provided project information that was used to determine the economic and fiscal effects of the Yakima Bears relocation proposal. The information provided is consistent with conclusions reached by other researchers. An input-output model developed by Minnesota IMPLAN Group has been combined with Clark County specific data to estimate the economic impacts for both the construction phase and the operations phase of the proposed project.

Tax rate information was provided by Washington State Department of Revenue and Clark County Treasurer’s Office.i

Proposed Project. The Yakima Bears are proposing a $22.7 million multiuse facility capable of seating 4,000 spectators be built as part of relocating the baseball club to Vancouver. The facility would host 38 home games as well as be available for other sporting events including soccer, baseball, and softball for local youth organizations and Clark College.ii

Cascade Planning Group & E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC for CREDC: Economic & Fiscal Assessment of the Yakima Bears’ Relocation Proposal Page 2 The facility would take about 15 months to complete. Upon completion, the company expects to have at least 12 full time front office workers will operate the baseball franchise and maintain the facility on a daily basis, with each worker earning an average of $80,000 per year (in 2011 dollars). Another 120- 140 workers will be needed during actual home games consisting of security, concessioners, park guides, etc. Total payroll for these temporary workers is estimated at $200,000 per season.

The baseball franchise will spend an additional $1.3 million on supplies and services related to daily business operations as well as game day activities. It is estimated that just over half these goods and services ($675,000) can be purchased locally. Approximately 40% of worker income will be spent on taxable retail goods and services. Approximately 30%-35% of full time staff income will be spent on housing and other related expenditures.

Economic Impacts. Multiplier estimates are made using the IMPLAN Input-Output economic model that measures inter-industry transactions between all segments of the Clark County economy. The economic multiplier is defined as the total direct benefit plus indirect benefit divided by the direct effect.iii For example, a jobs multiplier of 2.0 means that one job could be created indirectly for every new job at the project site.

Fiscal Effects. As part of this benefit analysis, major fiscal revenue sources are estimated based on direct impacts only. Those taxes include sales tax, property by type of taxing district, and state B&O tax. Not estimated with this analysis are fiscal effects associated with indirect (or multiplier) activity or development exactions/fees.

What follows is a summary table depicting the quantitative assumptions utilized in this evaluation.

Figure 1. Economic & Fiscal Assumptions

Assumption Value Capital Investment: Construction Value $22,700,000 – Procured Locally $22,700,000 Investment per Construction Worker $126,100 Average Construction Wage $51,500 Local Procurement by Construction Workers (% of Wages) 40% Output Multiplier 1.52 Jobs Multiplier 1.54 Income Multiplier 1.45 Operations: Number of Workers 21 % Local Hires 100% Estimated On-site Payroll $1,160,000 Taxable Retail Purchases by Workers (% of Wages) 40% Estimated Annual Gross Sales $2,700,000 Annual Taxable Operations & Maintenance Expenditures $675,000 Annual Lease Payments $500,000 Output Multiplier 1.52 Jobs Multiplier 1.24 Income Multiplier 1.38 Fiscal Taxes Rates:

Cascade Planning Group & E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC for CREDC: Economic & Fiscal Assessment of the Yakima Bears’ Relocation Proposal Page 3 Assumption Value State B&O Tax Rate 1.800% State B&O Tax Rate on Construction 0.484% State Sales Tax 6.5% Local Sales Tax 1.8% Leasehold Tax 12.84%

Sources: Yakima Bears and public agencies including Clark County and IMPLAN.

MARKET CONTEXT While a new multi-use facility in Vancouver would be envisioned to be capable of hosting a variety of sports, entertainment and other assembly events, the Yakima Bears baseball franchise is anticipated to be the anchor tenant for the facility. The Bears would provide the facility with a predictable source of utilization in addition to the various community and other special events the facility could host. Therefore, while the proposed facility is envisioned to be designed as a multi‐purpose venue, it will be important that the facility’s design reflects the Bears’ needs and the latest trends in ballpark capacity and amenities.

Minor League Classification System. Professional baseball teams have been placed in various classifications since 1890. The current classification system was started in 1902 with the formation of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (NAPBL), which changed its name to (MiLB) in 1999. The following is a brief summary of the current minor league classification system:

 AAA – “Triple A” is currently the highest classification of the minor leagues. It was established in 1945, and currently consists of three leagues including the International, Pacific Coast and Mexican Leagues.  AA – “Double A” was established in 1912, and is the second tier of minor leagues. There are currently three leagues classified as Class AA, including the Eastern, Southern, and Texas Leagues.  A – “Single A” was the highest classification for minor league teams in 1902. Under the present structure, teams are the third tier, and consist of five regular season leagues, including the California, Carolina, Florida State, Midwest, and South Atlantic Leagues as well as two short‐season leagues: the New York‐Penn and Northwest Leagues.  Rookie – The rookie classification was established in 1963, and is currently the lowest classification of professional baseball, consisting of four leagues made up of first year players, including the Arizona, Appalachian, Gulf Coast, and Pioneer Leagues.  Independent – While all of the previous classifications are comprised of teams that are affiliated with major league franchises, there are also several independent leagues made of teams that have no major league affiliation, and are not members of MiLB. Independent leagues include the Atlantic, Frontier, Can Am and North American Leagues and the American Association.  Summer – In addition to the aforementioned leagues there are several summer leagues including the Cape Cod, Northwoods, Dominican and Venezuelan Leagues.

Figure 2 summarizes the trends in average per game attendance levels among MiLB-affiliated teams from 2006 through 2010. More than 175 teams currently play in 15 affiliated minor leagues, excluding the summer and Independent Leagues. As illustrated, attendance has been relatively consistent among

Cascade Planning Group & E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC for CREDC: Economic & Fiscal Assessment of the Yakima Bears’ Relocation Proposal Page 4 each of the various minor league classifications despite the economic recession. Class A attendance has averaged approximately 3,000 per game over this time, similar to the attendance levels of Independent Leagues.

Figure 2. Minor League Baseball Average Attendance Per Game

Source: Minor League Baseball, Independent league websites, individual team websites

Northwest League/Class A Short‐Season Overview. The Yakima Bears are a member of the Class A Short‐Season Northwest League. Class A Short‐Season teams are often comprised largely of newly‐drafted collegiate players. While the Northwest League is an introductory league for these players, several NWL alumni have advanced to MLB, including Hall of Famers such as , , and .

The Northwest League, founded in 1955, includes eight teams spanning three states including Idaho, and Washington, as well as a franchise located in Vancouver, . Figure 3 presents an overview of the teams comprising the Northwest League including their location, MLB affiliation, ballpark and 2010 average reported attendance.

Figure 3. Northwest League Overview

2010 Avg. Year Seating Reported Franchise Location Affiliate Ballpark Name Built Capacity Attendance Spokane, WA Avista 1958 7,162 4,737 Vancouver, BC Oakland Athletics 1951i 5,132 4,068

Cascade Planning Group & E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC for CREDC: Economic & Fiscal Assessment of the Yakima Bears’ Relocation Proposal Page 5 Eugene, OR PK Park 2010 4,000 2,830 Boise, ID Chicago Cubs Memorial 1989 3,427 2,780 Salem‐Keizer Volcanoes Keizer, OR Volcanoes 1997 4,252 2,532 Everett AquaSox Everett, WA Mariners Everett Memorial 1984 3,682 2,502 Tri‐City Dust Devils Pasco, WA Gesa 1995 3,654 2,234 Yakima Bears Yakima, WA Yakima County 1993 2,654 1,860 Average 4,245 2,943 Note: (i) was renovated from 2007‐08. Source: Team affiliated websites.

As depicted above, Yakima Bears’ current stadium’s seating capacity of 2,654 ranks as the smallest among NWL ballparks. The Bears reported attendance of approximately 1,860 per game in 2010, ranking eighth among the eight NWL franchises. In comparison, the average Northwest League team drew 2,943 fans per game, playing in ballparks with an average capacity of 4,245 seats. Currently, three Northwest League teams play in ballparks that are newer than Yakima County Stadium. In addition, the Vancouver Canadians’ Nat Bailey Stadium was renovated extensively in 2007 and 2008, while Spokane’s has been well maintained and upgraded over the years and is regarded as a high‐quality venue.

Each Northwest League team has an MLB affiliate, with the MLB team paying player salaries and certain other team expenses. Each Northwest League team is responsible for paying all other operating expenses and retains all revenues it generates, subject to local ballpark lease arrangements.

Ticket Pricing & Market Penetration. As shown, Bears’ single game ticket prices are generally the lowest in the league. The Bears’ $200-$250 full season price is also the lowest priced in the league. The Bears are planning on game day single ticket prices of $7.00 and a variety of season ticket prices ranging from $340 for full season equivalent plans to $950 for full season club seats. The proposed pricing structure appears to be within comparable markets.

The Bears currently fill 70% of available seats at any given game. This is comparable to the overall league average. The Bears also capture 0.765% of the immediate population, which is in line for relatively isolated markets; Everett has the lowest penetration rate as it is within a significantly large market with several sporting event options including MLB. The Bears expect to increase average attendance to 2,970, which would result from a market penetration factor of 0.700% (close to the league average). Assuming they are able to maintain average seat occupancy of 70%, the Bears would support a multiuse facility seating capacity of 4,000+ just on Clark County spectators alone.

With no MiLB team in Portland, OR, the Bears should be able to capture spectators from across the river. As reported in the Oregonian on July 4, 2011, the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes have experienced a 27% increase in attendance, as Portland spectators are forced to travel to Salem to watch MiLB. The Bears should be able to draw greater per game attendance than the estimated 2,900. It would not be unreasonable to see average per game attendance closer to 3,400-3,500. Possibly higher as Vancouver would be much closer to the heart of the Portland market than Salem-Keizer and therefore would attract spectators that are more sensitive to location/travel time. 606-0107

Cascade Planning Group & E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC for CREDC: Economic & Fiscal Assessment of the Yakima Bears’ Relocation Proposal Page 6 Figure 4. Northwest League Ticket Price & Market Penetration Comparison

Single-Game Season Attendance Ticket Prices Ticket Prices % of Market Team Low High Low High Capacity Penetrate Vancouver Canadians $10.00 $22.00 $360 $550 79% 0.633% Boise Hawks $6.00 $14.00 $195 $460 81% 0.709% Salem‐Keizer Volcanoes $7.00 $20.00 $342 $399 60% 0.648% Everett AquaSox $7.00 $16.00 $275 $375 68% 0.351% Tri‐City Dust Devils $6.00 $9.00 $259 $299 61% 0.882% Spokane Indians $6.00 $10.00 $230 $290 66% 1.005% Eugene Emeralds $6.00 $12.00 $265 $265 71% 0.805% Yakima Bears $5.50 $9.50 $200 $250 70% 0.765% Average $6.69 $14.06 $266 $361 69% 0.681% Source: Team affiliated websites.

Comparable Ballpark Construction Cost and Funding. As shown, the average Class A Short‐ Season ballpark built since 2000 had a total project cost of $26.7 million. On average, the public sector has funded $18.8 million, or 68 percent of total project costs. It should be noted that two of the comparable Class A Short‐Season ballparks (PK Park and Medlar Field) received significant funding contributions from universities whose baseball programs use the facilities as their home fields. These university contributions have been classified as private funding in the table. Excluding these two facilities, public funding has comprised all or the vast majority of construction funding at the remaining comparable ballparks.

Figure 5. Comparable Ballpark Construction Cost and Funding Summary

Total Year Project Amount Percentage Team Ballpark Opened Cost Public Private Public Private Eugene Emeralds PK Park 2009 $20.00 $0.00 $20.00 0% 100% State College Spikes Medlar Field at Lubrano Park 2006 $31.40 $11.90 $19.50 38% 62% Aberdeen IronBirds Ripken Stadium 2002 $18.00 $14.00 $4.00 78% 22% Tri‐City ValleyCats Joseph L. Bruno Stadium 2002 $14.00 $14.00 $0.00 100% 0% Staten Island Yankees RCB Ballpark 2001 $38.00 $34.00 $4.00 89% 11% Brooklyn Cyclones KeySpan Park 2001 $39.00 $39.00 $0.00 100% 0% Average $26.70 $18.80 $7.90 68% 32% Median $25.70 $14.00 $4.00 84% 16% Note: All dollar figures are represented in millions. Funding contributions from universities who are tenants of the venues have been classified as private funding. Nat Bailey Stadium in Vancouver has been excluded, as the project was a renovation of an existing ballpark. Source: CSL International research.

ECONOMIC EFFECTS Economic benefits are categorized into two different phases – construction and ongoing operations. The economic benefits associated with the construction phase are substantial but expected to last over a relatively short time period of up to 15 months. Economic benefits estimated for the operations phase recur annually, lasting as long as the Yakima Bears are in operation within Clark County.

Cascade Planning Group & E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC for CREDC: Economic & Fiscal Assessment of the Yakima Bears’ Relocation Proposal Page 7 While the economic benefits calculated constitute only the activity occurring in Clark County, companies interact with other firms on a regional, national, and/or global level, providing a broader economic benefit that reaches well beyond the jurisdictional boundaries of Clark County.

Construction Phase As identified in the assumptions section of this report, the proposed multi-use facility would represent an investment value of $22.7 million. The entire amount is anticipated to be procured within Clark County. The local economy will be stimulated through indirect and induced effects by another $11.8 million in added Clark County business revenues for a total local economic benefit of $34.5 million during construction.

Construction of the multiuse facility will require 180 full- and part-time jobs during construction. These jobs are phased in over the entire construction period. Construction jobs likely supported as much as another 100 jobs in the local economy for a total of 280 jobs over the duration of construction.

Based on information provided by pertinent public and private sources, construction workers for this project, on average, will earn approximately $51,500 per worker, generating a total construction payroll of $9.3 million. This construction payroll is projected to stimulate another approximately $4.1 million of household income within the Clark County economy during the construction phase, for a total combined payroll benefit of $13.4 million.

Construction workers are expected to spend $3.7 million on local taxable retail goods/services.

Figure 6. Economic Benefits Associated with Construction (Cumulative)

Economic Benefits Impact Category Direct Indirect Total Capital Investment – – Capital Investment $22,700,000 $11,800,000 $34,500,000 Construction Jobs 180 100 280 Construction Payroll $9,270,000 $4,130,000 $13,400,000 – Average Wage $51,500 $41,300 $47,900 Local Procurement by Construction Workers $3,708,000 – – Note: All estimates subject to change. Indirect includes induced impacts resulting from added worker spending. Source: Private firms and public agencies, Cascade Planning Group, and E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC.

Operations Phase It is assumed that the multi-use facilities being considered will be utilized for at least 38 single A baseball games. The facility is expected to be utilized for other events, in particular by Clark College and local sport clubs. Primarily the economic effects associated with the 38 home MiLB games are considered in this quantitative analysis. The effects associated with Clark County spectators will provide the greatest potential benefit. However as mentioned earlier, the Bears should be able to draw spectators from the Portland area that will result in higher ticket sales, merchandising, etc. The project is assumed to generate an estimated $2.7 million of direct annual gross business income from Clark County spectators as well as revenue from about 15 locally hosted events. Another $1.4 million will be generated at other Clark County businesses for a total annual gross business revenue effect of $4.1 million

Cascade Planning Group & E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC for CREDC: Economic & Fiscal Assessment of the Yakima Bears’ Relocation Proposal Page 8 Additionally, Portland area spectators are anticipated to directly generate $312,700 of business revenues. As the Bear’s organization and Portland Area fans purchase goods and services within Clark County, another $187,300 of business income is indirectly stimulated in the local economy.

The project will directly employ 12 full time front office workers and another 120-140 game day employees. Due to the short work duration of the game day employees, the estimates have been converted into full time equivalent workers (9 FTEs). The estimated 21 FTE on-site workers (12+9) will support another 4 jobs should be supported elsewhere in the local economy for a total FTE jobs impact estimated at 25 during baseball operations. This reflects a relatively low permanent employment multiplier, due in large part to the high concentration of part-time employees.

As noted, average annual wage for on-site workers is $80,000 for front office workers and $11 per hour for game day employees. Total annual payroll for the baseball operation is $1.2 million. As the baseball operation and its workers purchase local goods and services, another $440,000 of income is indirectly supported elsewhere in the local economy. In total, the proposed baseball operation is projected to support an estimated $1.6 million of added household income in Clark County.

Figure 7. Annual Economic Benefits Associated with Operations

Annual Economic Benefits Impact Category Direct Indirect Total Business Revenues from Clark County Spectators $2,700,000 $1,400,000 $4,100,000 Business Revenues from Portland Area Fans $312,700 $187,300 $500,000 Number of Jobs (Annual FTE) 21 4 25 Total Payroll $1,160,000 $440,000 $1,600,000 Local Procurement by Workers $464,000 – – Taxable Retail Sales from Business Operation $804,700 – – Note: All estimates subject to change. Source: Cascade Planning Group and E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC using IMPLAN data.

FISCAL EFFECTS Considerable revenues will be generated for local and state government agencies. Primary tax revenues include state business & occupation (B&O) tax together with state and local sales and leasehold taxes. In cases, such as voted levies and bonds, the leasehold taxes generated by the proposed multiuse facility are not new revenues but rather replacement of property taxes already paid by existing rate payers.

Construction Phase The State of Washington can be expected to receive an estimated $1.7 million in sales tax during the construction period and another $109,900in B&O taxes. Local jurisdictions will receive an estimated $475,300 in one-time sales tax revenue during the construction period.

Operations Phase Operations of the multi-use facility will provide $64,200 in annual leasehold taxes from the $22.7 million capital investment. The baseball operation will pay annually another $48,600 in state B&O tax. Business operational and employee purchases will generate another $105,300 annually in state and local sales taxes.

Cascade Planning Group & E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC for CREDC: Economic & Fiscal Assessment of the Yakima Bears’ Relocation Proposal Page 9 Figure 8. Fiscal Benefits of the Proposed Multiuse Facility Solely from Professional Baseball

Direct Benefit Type of Tax Construction Operations B&O Tax: Washington State $109,900 $48,600 Sales Tax: Washington State $1,716,520 $82,466 Local Area $475,340 $22,837 Total Sales Tax $2,191,860 $105,303 Leasehold Tax: Total Leasehold Taxes $0 $64,200 Note: All estimates are in 2011 dollars and subject to change. Fiscal effects are for the 38 home baseball games only. Estimates are based on current tax rates. Source: Cascade Planning Group and E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC.

OTHER ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY BENEFITS In addition to the quantifiable economic and fiscal benefits outlined by this report, there are other potential economic and community benefits to be considered. These benefits are not as easily measured in quantitative terms but are nonetheless apparent with this proposal and may prove significant for Clark County over the long term. Among the added economic and community benefits noted are the following:

 Tournaments. The new multi-use facility would likely serve as a championship facility for sports tournaments at the youth, high school, collegiate, semi-pro and amateur levels. It could accommodate multiple sports, including baseball, softball, soccer and youth football, and augment recent commitments by Vancouver USA Tourism to actively recruit tournaments to the region. Obvious examples include the NWAACC conference tournaments (Clark College league), which hosts a 3-4 day baseball tournament which brings in teams and supporters from throughout the Northwest, collegiate sports such as the PAC-12 Apple Cup, and state high school tournaments. One local group has petitioned a teenage World Series to consider relocating from the Detroit area, which could bring guests from around the country. The Yakima Bears currently host the 2A tournament, which averages about 1,000 fans per game, the 1A tournament attracting 750 fans per game, and the 1B tournament which attracts about 500 per game. About 90-95 percent of fans come from out of town, although attendance can double or triple when a local team qualifies. The team has been assured that the tournament would follow the Bears to Vancouver. Estimating economic impact from tournaments is challenging because tournaments vary greatly in scope and impact. Nonetheless, one analysis by the National Recreation and Park Association suggests that adult overnight tournaments can average around $400,000 in direct and indirect economic activity. With the team expecting to host 10-15 community events, it is entirely possible that the facility’s economic impact could double as a result of tournaments. Furthermore, the impact from these tournaments on sales and hotel taxes could increase significantly as a result of tournaments. Obviously, each tournament will vary in its economic impact to the local community and the estimates provided here are used to provide a relative measure of economic benefit to the local economy.

Cascade Planning Group & E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC for CREDC: Economic & Fiscal Assessment of the Yakima Bears’ Relocation Proposal Page 10  Clark College. Clark College is in great need for multi-use facility for both non-sport functions. Currently, Clark College is dependent on other venues for activities such as student graduation, which requires an annual rental fee of $50,000 according to Clark College officials. It also is highly limited in its ability to provide a full range of sports and intramural leagues throughout the year and has no all-weather field capacity. However, this facility’s greatest impact to Clark College is in avoiding legal, construction and administrative issues associated with Title IX compliance by assuring ample opportunities for both men’s and women’s sports. Because Title IX cases have been upheld at the Supreme Court level, colleges typically must invest in additional athletic field capacity or are forced to restrict athletic experiences. Additionally, the educational and teaching opportunities available to Clark College and the Community as a whole are too numerous to quantify, but offers Clark students a “real life” classroom in such disciplines as athletic training, food service, graphic design, sports management/administration as well as all aspects of the business curriculum.

 Grass Field Over-Use. Clark County convened a Blue Ribbon Committee to study the need for additional Park and Recreation facilities. One of the key findings is the lack of sports fields in Clark County for youth sports coupled with the overburdening of school facilities. The new multi-use facility will help alleviate pressure on school facilities as well as enhance the capability of attracting major regional, state, and possibly national tournaments with a championship facility. The more the new multi-use facility is substituted for other publicly owned fields, the lower maintenance and operations costs, especially for natural grass fields.

 Entertainment District. Vancouver’s Central Park Master Plan identifies the desire to create an entertainment district. The city and Fort Vancouver are considering plans for a cultural arts center at the old Hospital Building, and have discussed the potential for a performing arts center near the current Police Station south of Mill Plain. The new multi-use facility would be an anchor and help facilitate the creation of an entertainment district that could attract additional restaurants, shops and activities to the downtown corridor.

 Community Events. The new multi-use facility could host other events such as brass musical concerts, outdoor plays, band competitions, cancer walks, and related entertainment experiences, which are too small for the Clark County Amphitheatre and cannot justify expensive rental fees of large indoor facilities. This report does not attempt to quantify their potential impact.

 Infrastructure. The need for community amenities and infrastructure was a key theme in the CREDC’s recently issued report from TIP Strategies. A multi-use facility helps address the need for community assets. Potential impact was not quantified in this report.

Cascade Planning Group and E. D. Hovee & Company, LLC appreciates the opportunity to provide this preliminary economic impact and fiscal benefit assessment on behalf of the Columbia River Economic Development Council. We would be happy to respond to questions regarding any aspect of this analysis.

Cascade Planning Group & E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC for CREDC: Economic & Fiscal Assessment of the Yakima Bears’ Relocation Proposal Page 11 END NOTES i Information for this assessment has been obtained from sources generally deemed to be reliable. However, the consultants do not guarantee the accuracy of information obtained from third party sources. Information is subject to change without notice. The findings and conclusions contained in this report are those of the authors. They should not be construed as the opinion of any other party prior to their express approval, whether in whole or part. ii The proportion of construction work secured by local contractors is variable, depending on factors such as local procurement initiatives and labor union agreements. This is a conservative estimate compared to other facilities. iii For purposes of this analysis, indirect benefits are defined to include induced impacts resulting from worker expenditures within the local economy of Clark County.

Cascade Planning Group & E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC for CREDC: Economic & Fiscal Assessment of the Yakima Bears’ Relocation Proposal Page 12