The East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission sought a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of the economic, public health, and environmental benefits of expanding the region’s bicycle and pedestrian network by more than 1,000 miles. Despite the well-recognized value of active transportation infrastructure, these benefits are frequently understated in investment and policy decisions. The Commission needed rigorous evidence to support funding applications, regional investment advocacy, and policy development for the network expansion.
ESI conducted a multi-dimensional impact analysis drawing on Commission data and standard methodological frameworks. An economic impact analysis using IMPLAN estimated benefits from construction and ongoing use of the expanded network including job creation, tax revenue generation, and local spending. A health impact assessment estimated healthcare cost savings and productivity gains attributable to increased physical activity among network users. An environmental impact evaluation monetized ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, flood mitigation, and air quality improvements to assess return on public investment. ESI also gathered input from local government officials, community organizations, and business representatives through focus groups and public meetings to ground the analysis in regional context.
The study estimated that completing the network would support nearly 13,000 jobs, generate more than $85 million in state and local taxes, and increase property values by more than $500 million. Beyond these headline figures, the study documented benefits across economic activity, environmental services, and public health outcomes linked to improved connectivity and trail access. The findings served as a tool in fundraising and grant applications for the Commission.