Cities are the Generators of the Economy

We all know cities are the places to go to consume. In that role, they play a vital role in ensuring our economy – local, state, and national – keeps moving forward. Cities are the places to go shopping, out to eat, participate in cultural events and festivals, and go to work. Elizabethton is the generator of our local economy.

Elizabethton, while being in a rural setting, is a major driver in the local Carter County economy. Without it, Carter County would be much different and likely have a completely different economy. When we look at the numbers, there is little doubt of the impact and benefit that Elizabethton has on Carter County. Elizabethton’s population is only 25 percent of all of the County’s population, but it has jurisdiction over almost one-third (32 percent) of the property assessment in the entire county. This is an important figure indicating that approximately 32 percent of the property taxes collected by the County are within the Elizabethton City Limits.

Elizabethton is an important employment center for the County as well with approximately one of every four workers being employed in Elizabethton, and this does not include those who live within the City Limits. Elizabethton also is home to 29 percent of all of the businesses in the county and accounts for 83 percent of the retail sales in the county, giving us an indication that the most shopped businesses are in the city limits. Along similar lines, 81 percent of the spending on accommodation and food service sales in Carter County happens within Elizabethton. Elizabethton’s industry also accounts for over half (56 percent) of the manufacturers’ shipments value in the county meaning that over half of the products produced in Carter County originate in Elizabethton.

As you can see Elizabethton is a major driver of Carter County’s economy. Locally, we even have small communities such as Hampton and Roan Mountain that impact some of the economy like Elizabethton does. Now, don’t get me wrong, the County does provide services such as the County Detention Center, and the rural nature of the county provide agricultural benefits to Elizabethton as well. Nevertheless, with Elizabethton influencing our local economy so much, it is time for Carter County and Elizabethton to work together on a political and policy level. What is beneficial for Carter County IS beneficial for Elizabethton, and what is beneficial for Elizabethton IS beneficial for Carter County! Like each other or not, we all must work together for the benefit of our local economy. No one else is going to help us or do it for us! Let’s talk about it!