The Snowbird Effect

“We did an economic impact study in 2009,” said Linda D’Addabbo who is the coordinator of the Summer Citizens Program. “And the amazing thing is the value that they bring. The millions of dollars that they bring to the community – we’re looking at $4.5 million in 3 months.”

She said the program is totally self-funded with the exception of the RAPZ tax and that that number has increased since the study was done.

Donna Borden is a retired physical therapist from Arizona and acts as an ambassador for the program. This is her and her husband’s 11th summer in the program and ultimately bought a home in Cache Valley in 2012.

“I think people are surprised at what the university offers us,” said Borden. “There are other programs similar to this but they don’t have as many classes, as many opportunities as many social events that USU Summer Citizens programs offer.”

Borden said people would be surprised to know just how involved people from their program are enmeshed in the community during the summer.

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