City looks at economic impact of Thursday Night Live

Jefferson City is trying to get an estimate on the economic impact of events like Thursday Night Live on downtown businesses.

Phil Stiles, recreation facilities and special services division director with the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department, told members of the Parks and Recreation Commission earlier this month that he was working with the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau to find the economic impact of Thursday Night Live and other downtown events.

"We just thought it would be a good thing to let the community know what sort of economic impact an event like Thursday Night Live has on the city," Stiles said.

Stile said he estimates an average person spends about $30 at that type of event. He said when you multiply that by the 3,00 to 4,000 people in attendance each week for four weeks, the result is a large bump to the local economy.