Great Miami Riverway tells Troy council corridor draws $1.2 billion in regional impact

Ginger Clark, representing the Great Miami Riverway coalition, told Troy City Council on April 6 that the region's 99-mile river corridor is a major recreational and economic asset.

"What began as a vision for connecting communities along the Great Miami River has grown into a coalition of more than 20 cities, counties, park districts and regional agencies," Clark said. She said the Riverway's 2023 economic impact on Southwest Ohio was $1.2 billion and that the coalition is contracting with Oxford Economics for an updated 2025 analysis.

Clark outlined four strategic priorities for the Riverway's five-year period: building identity and awareness; nurturing connections among member communities; promoting riverfront investment and development; and restructuring the coalition's funding platform to ensure long-term sustainability. She thanked Troy for prior contributions to an Army Corps of Engineers study and for local investments in riverfront parks and trail connectivity.

Clark invited Troy officials and residents to the Riverway Summit on April 24 at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts in Hamilton, noting city staff and a local presenter from Troy will participate. She closed by offering to take questions; none were raised by council at the meeting.

The presentation provides context for regional tourism and recreation planning and signals continuing collaboration opportunities between Troy and other Riverway communities.