OSU Expansion a billion dollar benefit to Stillwater
Friday, April 28, 2006
STILLWATER, OKLA. – Oklahoma State University generates $1.2 billion annually in the
local economy—about half of Stillwater’s total economic activity--and planned expansion
projects will have an additional impact of $220 million annually over the next six
years.
Those are among the findings of an independent research project conducted by Austin,
Texas-based Angelou Economics. The project was sponsored by the Stillwater Foundation
for Progress, a non-profit educational affiliate of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce,
in collaboration with Oklahoma State University.
The study found that while OSU employees account for 14 percent of all jobs in the
Stillwater MSA, their wages and salaries represent 33 percent of total payroll. At
nearly $54,000 per job, the university’s average wage is more than twice the county’s
average annual wage.
Daniel Kah, Director of Research for Angelou Economics, said “the university’s multiplier
effects deliver a much higher impact on the county economy due to spending by students,
employees, and visitors.”
Kah noted that while the university is a non-profit and holds special tax status in
the city and state, many taxable activities occur as a result of the university’s
workforce, students, and visitors. About $7 million in local sales taxes accrue each
year to city and county governments as a result of spending by these groups.
“Beyond the direct and indirect spending impact on the local community, the university
positions the area for future growth in high impact industries, by providing an educated
workforce and through investment in research,” Kah said.
Other findings:
Including the multiplier effect of university expenditures, OSU accounts for 43 percent
of area jobs, 59 percent of payroll, and 24 percent of local sales tax revenues.
University workers, students, and visitors spend $129 million annually on restaurants,
bars, hotels, and other taxable retail sales. This translates to $4.5 million in
sales tax revenue to the City of Stillwater, and $1 million to Payne County, according
to the Angelou report.
An estimated 680,000 visitors to OSU sports and academic events spend $47 million
annually in Stillwater, with sports attendance delivering the largest impact.
Average student spending in the local economy is $4,300 for those living on campus,
and $10,200 for off-campus residents.
Calvin Anthony, Chairman of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, said “The study is
helpful in understanding the impact of Stillwater’s largest employer, and how the
university’s expansion will affect the economy of our city going forward. Even though
the city has diversified over the years, Oklahoma State University continues to be
the most significant driver of the local economy. Without OSU’s growth and vitality
it would be hard to imagine Stillwater and Payne County experiencing the tremendous
retail, development, job growth, and building expansion it currently enjoys.”
Oklahoma State University has announced more than $700 million in new classroom, research,
student life, and athletic facilities to be constructed over the next six to seven
years.
OSU System President and CEO David Schmidly said, “This study is further evidence
that Oklahoma State University and the City of Stillwater is a powerful economic partnership.
The quality of life the community of Stillwater provides OSU is an important component
to attracting and keeping the most qualified faculty and staff at the university.”
“OSU and Stillwater are invaluable to each other and its imperative we work together
in an effort to create better opportunities for the citizens of Stillwater and improve
the university’s standing on a national and international level,” Schmidly said.
“We will be transforming the university over the next several years and we look forward
to the positive impact that growth will have on OSU and Stillwater.”
Angelou Economics is a leading economic consulting firm specializing in technology-based
economic development. Its clients include some of America’s largest technology companies,
local and state governments, and financial organizations.
The full report can be found on the Chamber’s web site, www.stillwaterchamber.org . (Chamber News in top right corner)