A report released Monday by The Little Rock Regional Chamber found that the Clinton Presidential Center has contributed nearly $4.9 billion over the past 20 years to central Arkansas’ economy.
In 2014, The Little Rock Regional Chamber commissioned a report to study the economic and societal impact of the Clinton Presidential Center. Upon the 20th anniversary of the Clinton Center, the chamber again commissioned Boyette Advisors to do an impact study, this time looking at the years 2004–2023.
The report 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.
“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,” Jay Chesshir, president and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber, said in a press release. “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 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 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.
“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,” Stephanie Streett, executive director of the Clinton Foundation, said in the release. “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.”
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