Cards camp not enough to rev up Flagstaff economy

Football fans drawn to(wholesale nfl jerseys) the Arizona Cardinals' three-week training camp in Flagstaff didn't spend enough to bring the city's lagging tax receipts out of a three-year lull.

Overall tax revenue was down roughly 6 percent in August compared to last year, while the tourism-oriented hotel bed, restaurant and bar tax was flat compared to August 2009, according to figures just released by the city of Flagstaff.

Since 2008, overall tax revenue has dropped by 12 percent.

Hotel revenue was actually up by nearly 7 percent in August,(jets jersey) but restaurants and bar receipts were down by 2 percent.

Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Julie Pastrick told the Arizona Daily Sun that the community benefits from having the professional football team practice in the northern Arizona city.

"We're fortunate to host the Arizona Cardinals NFL Training Camp in August, which attracts thousands of visitors who might not have otherwise visited Flagstaff," Pastrick said.

Tourism generated from the Cards training camp only helps some businesses and just for one month out of the year, she acknowledged.

"Across the board,(new york jets jersey) we know our unemployment rate has to change. We need to focus on creating jobs and supporting local business growth so consumer confidence is restored," Pastrick said.

Flagstaff City Manager Kevin Burke had hoped the improved sales figures seen in June and July would continue, especially with NAU enrolling a record class of first-year students on the Mountain Campus in late August.

"I was a little surprised with the August figures," he said.

The City Council is set to discuss next year's budget at a retreat next month. Burke said the disappointing August tax receipt numbers will be on his mind.

"I am not ready to jump to any conclusions, but I am going to be cautious with our predictions," he said.