At its April 15 meeting, the council voted 5-1 to award an economic impact analysis of Olympia Hills to the National Golf Foundation, or NGF, in the amount of $19,000. Council member Bernard Rubal was the single dissenting vote, noting he needed more information about what the analysis will provide.
The economic impact analysis was not included in the fiscal year 2025 golf course budget, however, the improvements can be made with funds from the "other contract services" category from the golf course budget, agenda documents state.
How it happened
In March, Richard Singer, senior director of consulting services with NGF, suggested multiple golf course improvements, such as adding a new forward tee and and enhancing the center's patio area, according to previous reporting by Community Impact.
City staff reached out to NGF to request an economic impact analysis, which will analyze Olympia Hills' economic impact on the Universal City community, according to a letter from NGF to city staff.
The analysis report will include estimations of the golf facility's direct contribution, such as gross sales and revenue, as well as local spending on supplies and equipment. The analysis will also provide indirect and secondary contribution estimates, such as the effect on real estate values and tourism, the proposal states.
What council is saying
Council member Christina Fitzpatrick said the analysis would give better insight into the potential improvements presented to council.
“This $19,000 seems like a small price to pay ... to help us make better decisions," she said.
Council member Phil Vaughan said he would like to see more specific information in the analysis, such as where Olympia Hills customers are traveling from and where they are spending their money in Universal City.
“I question whether it’s going to change any of our decision making going forward,” Vaughan added.
What's next
Once the analysis begins, it will take between two and three months to complete, according to the proposal.
