LR Chamber report: Clinton Presidential Center 20-year impact is $4.9 billion

The Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce released a new study of the economic effects of the Clinton Presidential Center that shows a 20-year impact of more than $4.9 billion.

The report, conducted by Boyette Advisors, found that the Clinton Center has contributed significantly to the regional economy through its direct investment and catalytic effect on private development. Specifically, the economy of the downtown areas of Little Rock and North Little Rock has expanded by nearly $4.9 billion over the past 20 years attributed to the Clinton Center’s construction, capital investment, combined operations, and programming along with public and private investment in broad areas of downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock.

“We are pleased to share this report,” said Jay Chesshir, president and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber. “There is no doubt that presidential centers make a sizable economic impact on the areas where they are located, and we are so fortunate that President Clinton chose to build his Presidential Center right here in Little Rock. We look forward to the Clinton Center growing impact as it continues to expand.”

In 2023, the Clinton Center announced plans to embark on its first significant expansion and modernization. The Clinton Foundation is partnering with Studio Gang, an award-winning international architecture and urban design firm; Ralph Applebaum Associates, an international practice dedicated to the planning and design of museums; and Arkansas-based Polk, Stanley, Wilcox Architects and CDI Contractors on the project.

The expansion will build out the Center’s ability to host world-class exhibitions, provide enhanced educational opportunities, and host national and international convenings. In addition, the expansion will include the construction of the new Hillary Rodham Clinton wing.

“We are grateful for our longstanding partnership with Jay and the Little Rock Regional Chamber,” said Stephanie Streett, executive director of the Clinton Foundation. “President Clinton had a vision for his presidential center. He wanted people to see not only what he did with his life, but also, what they can do in their own lives.”

“For the past 20 years, with many integral partners, we have endeavored to strengthen the inclusive economic, social and cultural fabric of Central Arkansas while bridging divides and building community. And as President Clinton has said, ‘The Center is mostly the story of what we, the people, can do when we work together.’ We look forward to deepening our impact for the next 20 years and well into the future,” Streett added.