Roanoke Regional Partnership reports $387 million economic impact in 2023

John Hull, executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership, presented the organization's 2023 annual report to the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors on April 9, saying the region saw a record $387,000,000 in annual economic impact last year.

Hull said that figure reflects project contributions to the region’s gross metropolitan product, including company purchases and employee wage spending, and that last year’s announcements amounted to 1,439 jobs across seven companies with $145,000,000 in capital investment. He credited regional branding and placemaking efforts for helping land expansions such as Wells Fargo and Mack Trucks.

Hull also highlighted non-taxpayer-funded event activity that feeds regional tourism and trail maintenance. He said Roanoke Outside returned $3,600,000 to the regional economy through event revenue and that events such as the Blue Ridge Marathon, Go Cross and Go Fest generated millions in local spending and boosted the region’s profile.

Board members thanked Hull and the partnership for their work; supervisors noted the value of coordination with state partners and local governments in securing state and federal grants. The briefing concluded with the board inviting continued partnership on pipeline projects and follow-up reporting next year.