County Executive Agard Applauds Hiring Firm to do Economic Impact Study for Dane County Regional Airport
August 26, 2025
execmedia@danecounty.gov, (608) 800-1127
County Executive, Airport
DANE COUNTY – County Executive Melissa Agard announced today that the Dane County Regional Airport (DCRA) is hiring Tourism Economics to complete an airport economic impact study. The company is a leading provider of travel data with multiple Wisconsin clients. The study will measure jobs supported by airport activity, visitor spending, tax revenue generated, and economic multipliers of airport spending through supply chain effects.
“It’s time to show just how well the Dane County Regional Airport serves our community by enhancing strong economic growth for our region,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “The airport posted its highest first-quarter passenger volume in airport history earlier this year and an economic impact study will measure the benefits this increase in airport usage is bringing to our local economy.”
Tourism Economics recently completed a similar study for the Appleton Airport and that study looked at jobs supported, direct sales, and total tax impact from the airport and businesses connected to it resulting in $2 billion of economic impact for the Fox Cities area.
“Investing in airport services and infrastructure has always been a catalyst for economic growth for businesses throughout the county,” said Dane County Airport Director Mark Papko. “Measuring the more recent impacts will attract new businesses and help make the case for funding from our federal partners as they decide where to spend billions to upgrade airport facilities.”
Tourism Economics is also used by Travel Wisconsin and completed the study released in June by Destination Madison showing record-breaking year for tourism in Dane County. The study showed Dane County welcomed 9.2 million visitors last year yielding direct visitor spending of $1.55 billion in 2024—a 3.8% increase over the prior year.
“We know every time someone chooses the Dane County Regional Airport, they’re helping grow our airport and expand options for everyone,” said Agard. “Putting a total dollar amount on what our amazing airport has brought to our region will show our public and private partners that new and continued investments are an easy choice to make because they bring a great return.”
The airport economic impact study and a summary report of its findings is expected to be completed approximately 90 days after the study commences, and results will be publicly available. Insights generated by the study will be valuable in continuing to invest in transportation, tourism, business and innovation throughout Madison, Dane County, and the entire region.