larger governmental or non-profit efforts. Some have viewed tax-exempt
congregations as a drain on the local economy. However, the Halo data
shows that congregations impact directly areas of prime concern to elected
officials, philanthropists, and community leaders: supporting childhood
education; local job creation and support; neighborhood development
through arts, food, and greening activities; and incubating/supporting
nonprofit organizations.
Thus the powerful Economic Halo Effect of older sacred places has
important, wide-ranging implications for how community leaders should
relate to congregations in advancement of the health of neighborhoods
and the welfare of citizens. These places are vulnerable due to changing
demographics, disinvestment, and limited resources. Indeed, two of the
congregations in this study have closed their doors since data was first
collected. The loss of value of these two equals $1,150,015 per year. With
this dynamic context in mind, we offer several policy and funding
recommendations that could support and expand the Halo effect of
congregations, improving the economies of our towns and cities.
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