The County Executive’s Corner: Tourism Fuels Rockland’s Economy, Saves Taxpayers Money

When I first took office as your County Executive, Rockland County was in serious financial trouble. We were the most fiscally stressed county in all of New York, weighed down by a $138 million deficit. The challenge before us was immense, but we faced it head-on, making tough decisions and smart investments to get our county back on track.

One of the key drivers of our recovery has been tourism. People often think of tourism as just visitors coming to enjoy our beautiful riverfronts, vibrant downtowns, and world-class arts and culture scene. But it is much more than that—it is an economic powerhouse.

Tourism creates jobs, strengthens local businesses, and supports critical infrastructure. Every time visitors explore our downtowns, dine at our restaurants, or shop in our stores, they are not just enjoying all that Rockland has to offer—they are also helping to stabilize property taxes for our residents.

And the impact keeps growing. In 2023 alone, tourism generated $556 million in visitor spending, an 8.4% increase over 2022. 

This has led to a $618 savings per household in property taxes, thanks to tourism-generated revenue.

These numbers underscore just how vital tourism is to our economy, and I am proud to say that our Economic Development and Tourism Office is leading the charge in strengthening this sector.

One of the ways we are investing in tourism is through our annual Tourism Grant Program, which provides funding to organizations that bring arts, music, theater, sports, and cultural events to Rockland—events that draw visitors and boost our economy.

When this program first began in 2016, we were able to distribute just $100,000 in grants. Today, I am thrilled to announce that we are awarding a record-breaking $316,000 to 30 organizations—the highest amount ever.

This would not be possible without the incredible work of Jenna Nazario, our Director of Economic Development and Tourism, and her dedicated team. Their efforts ensure that these funds are distributed strategically, supporting initiatives that promote Rockland as a premier destination.

I want to be clear: These are County dollars, and they come with performance expectations. Every organization receiving a grant is tasked with using these funds to attract visitors and strengthen Rockland’s tourism industry.

And I have every confidence they will do just that.

Because once people get a taste of our music, theater, art, riverfronts, and thriving downtowns, they won’t just visit once. They’ll keep coming back.

Congratulations to all our Tourism Grant award recipients! Thanks to your hard work helping our tourism thrive, Rockland’s economy is stronger than ever.

Let us continue working together to ensure a prosperous future for all who live, work, and visit here.