The Impact of Multimodal Transportation on Retail Sales

Authors

  • Dr. Nathanael D. Peach Fort Lewis College
  • Liam Goettelman City of Durango
  • Beckett Ledger Fort Lewis College

Keywords:

Walkability, Bikeability, Retail Sales, Home Values

Abstract

This study seeks to estimate the impact of walkability, bikeability, and multimodal transportation on retail sales per capita. A secondary goal is to determine whether home values positively, or negatively, contribute to retail sales per capita in a community. These questions are considered with a linear and non-linear ordinary least squares model. The sample analyzed is Colorado towns with populations greater than 1,000. In each specification, a positive relationship between the transportation variables and retail sales per capita is found. The same is true for home values. These results can be applied to proposed transportation infrastructure projects to determine if the construction costs outweigh the benefits to local businesses. Additionally, these findings can be used to inform the broader debate regarding car dependency, environmental sustainability, safety, and quality of life as they relate to issues of local economic development.  

Author Biographies

  • Dr. Nathanael D. Peach, Fort Lewis College

    Nathanael D. Peach is an Associate Profess of Economics in the Katz School of Business at Fort Lewis College.

  • Liam Goettelman, City of Durango

    Liam Goettleman received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Fort Lewis College. Currently, he serves as a Multimodal Specialist for the City of Durango.

  • Beckett Ledger, Fort Lewis College

    Beckett Ledger received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Fort Lewis College.

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Published

2026-03-19

Issue

Vol. 26 No. 1 (2026): Journal for Economic Educators

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Nathanael D. Peach, Liam Goettelman, Beckett Ledger

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