Report: Clinton Center 20-year economic impact near $4.9 billion

The Clinton Presidential Center has had a nearly $4.9 billion economic impact on Central Arkansas over the past 20 years, according to a Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce-commissioned report released Monday.

According to a news release accompanying the report, the center has “contributed significantly” to the local economy and had a “catalytic effect” on private investment.

“It truly became an anchor for downtown itself,” said Jay Chessir, director of the chamber. “It begins to boggle the mind how one decision by the president … has truly impacted this region, this state, far beyond just the dollars.”