Wheeling Heritage
Preserving the Past, Powering the Future
The Challenge
Wheeling Heritage, designated as a National Heritage Area, plays a central role in preserving these assets while driving tourism, small business growth, and downtown revitalization. As the organization expanded its mission, particularly following its 2016 merger with Reinvent Wheeling, there was a need to clearly measure and communicate its economic and community value. Local leaders and stakeholders required a current, credible assessment of how heritage preservation and Main Street investments translate into economic growth, job creation, and fiscal returns for the region.
How We Helped
Tripp Umbach was engaged by Wheeling Heritage, with support from Main Street America, to conduct a comprehensive FY25 economic and community impact analysis. Using primary data from Wheeling Heritage, supplemented by regional economic and tourism data, the study evaluated the organization’s operational spending, tourism-related activity, and programmatic investments. The analysis also highlighted broader community and cultural benefits generated through preservation, revitalization, and heritage tourism initiatives.
The FY25 analysis shows that Wheeling Heritage generates a total annual economic impact of $221.6 million, supports 2,199 jobs, and produces $19.0 million in tax revenue. Tourism-related activity accounts for the vast majority of this impact, with $218.5 million driven by visitor spending tied to historic attractions, cultural events, and community programming. Organizational operations contribute an additional $3.0 million in direct economic activity through staffing, professional services, and program investments.
Beyond these measurable outcomes, Wheeling Heritage plays a vital role in long-term community revitalization. Signature initiatives (including the Wheeling Gateway Visitors and Heritage Center, the Wheeling Heritage Historic Revitalization Subgrant Program, CO.STARTERS, Show of Hands, and Partnership Grants) support entrepreneurship, historic preservation, and cultural tourism. Collectively, these efforts reinforce Wheeling’s identity, attract new visitors and investment, and position the city as a thriving, resilient Main Street community in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle.