Council tasked NGF with the report in April as part of conversations about potential improvements to the facility.
What you need to know
The report uses the IMPLAN economic modeling system to estimate direct and non-direct economic impacts.
Out of the estimated $7.94 million generated each year, $5.33 million is derived from direct facility spending such as golf operations and capital investment, as well as non-local visitor spending and impacts on residential housing. The remaining $2.61 million comes from multiplier effects, which are indirect and induced impacts such as labor income. Non-resident spending contributed an estimated $720,000 to Universal City’s economy in 2024, with 90% of Olympia Hills patrons not considered locals, according to the report.
The report also goes in-depth on indirect benefits of the course, such as being a host venue for charitable events and its value as a city centerpiece.
Richard Singer, senior director of consulting services with NGF, said he thought the facility added to the city’s brand.
“As an outsider looking in ... to me, I really don’t see much with Universal City other than an exit on I-35, some retail establishments along there and this golf course along with your housing. I think it’s a really important piece of the Universal City brand,” Singer said.
Offering input
Council member Bernard Rubal said had issues with the IMPLAN model not fitting Universal City and the report not having actual number values.
“I challenge not the fact that you essentially did enter data and got an output, but I challenge the fact that there aren’t actual numbers associated with the economic impact of the golf course on not the universe of the golf community or our surrounding communities, but in Universal City,” Rubal said.
Singer said the estimates are what NGF was tasked to provide by the city. Terry Clower, a professor of public policy at George Mason University who assisted in the NGF analysis said getting actual numbers would involve tracking down countless individuals and businesses for specifics.
“You’re talking about doing tens of thousands of interviews and surveys to understand that [direct impact],” Clower said.
Mayor Pro Tem Christina Fitzpatrick said she did not expect to receive actual numbers and that the report highlighted the positive impacts of Olympia Hills.
“I appreciated this being articulated in such a way that it gives people ways to consider how the golf course provides value to our community outside of just money spent there,” Fitzpatrick said.
Next steps
Council is not planning to take any further action on the economic impact analysis report, however, they will look at fiscal year 2026's golf course budget on July 8, City Manager Kim Turner told Community Impact.
