UNT impact expected to reach $1 billion

During 2000, UNT will generate more than $880 million in economic activity in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and support 16,000 jobs.

Projections of growth, budget and enrollment predict a total economic impact of $1 billion by UNT in fiscal year 2001, according to an economic analysis conducted by Terry Clower and Bernard Weinstein of the UNT Center for Economic Development and Research.

These figures exclude the UNT System Center at Dallas and the UNT Health Science Center at Fort Worth.

The analysis, a study of the university's economic impact on the Metroplex, was based on university operations and capital expenditures, spending by university employees and students in the local economy, and local spending by visitors to UNT's Denton campus. The university also generates substantial money for taxation. Clower estimates that almost $20 million in hotel occupancy, sales and property taxes goes to local and county coffers.

"UNT is the largest university in the region and has a tremendous impact on the economy," Clower says. "And there is a growing recognition by area business and civic leaders that the presence of the university is key to attracting business and growth in the 21st century."

The findings are an update to a 1999 report that recorded UNT's economic impact at $781 million.

BY RUFUS COLEMAN rcoleman@unt.edu

Other featured articles in this issue:

• Craft named to Board of Regents
• System Center expansion adds rooms, technology
• Recent System Center donations exceed $1 million
• UNT recognized for fund-raising efforts
• Students select catalog design concept
• Conference on access is planned
• Photos document pollution effects
• UNT helps Intel train teachers
• A fond farewell: 1999-2000 retirees
• Chancellor's statement on Dallas City Council action

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