Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) introduced the INVEST in Our Communities Act along with Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01), legislation to promote economic development by strengthening the tourism, hospitality, events, and outdoor recreation sectors.

By establishing a new Hospitality and Outdoor-Recreation Supporting Tourism (HOST) program at the Economic Development Administration (EDA), the INVEST in Our Communities Act would help local planners in areas tied to the tourism economy build resiliency to future economic uncertainties, improve infrastructure for outdoor recreation, and invest in workforce development programs to help fill the nearly 1.5 million open positions in the tourism and hospitality sectors. 

“Encouraging infrastructure investment in America’s Great Outdoors is part and parcel to a thriving outdoor recreation industry,” said Rep. Yakym. “I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Titus on this important bipartisan legislation that will help support manufacturers and Hoosier jobs right here in Indiana’s Second District.”

“At the height of the pandemic Southern Nevada had the highest unemployment rate of any large metro area in the country, due in large part to sustained declines in our tourism and hospitality industries,” said Rep. Titus. “Few were traveling, and then only for emergencies. Airplanes were empty, hotels and restaurants were closed, and entertainment venues were shuttered. This negatively impacted employment, local government revenues, and economic development in areas around the country that rely heavily on tourism. Our legislation will ensure that U.S. travel and tourism industries can continue on the path to recovery while building resiliency to future economic shocks and public health emergencies.”

A one-pager of the INVEST in Our Communities Act can be found HERE.