A recently released study indicates that the Seneca Nation contributed close to $2 billion to the economy of Western New York in 2024, sustaining over 8,000 jobs across 16 counties. The analysis, conducted by Meister Economic Consulting and presented in 2025 dollar terms, evaluated the financial influence of the Nation’s governmental functions and commercial ventures. Key findings show $1.9 billion in overall economic output, 8,014 jobs supported directly and indirectly, $542.7 million in employee compensation, and $365.9 million paid in taxes and other contributions to federal, state, and local authorities.
Among the 8,014 positions, 4,623 are direct employees of the Seneca Nation, working full- or part-time. Approximately 3,000 of these roles are tied to casino operations at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino, and Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino. This workforce size positions the Nation as the 12th largest employer in the region, according to official statements.
Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca emphasized the tribe’s deep-rooted economic presence during a press event in Buffalo, stating that their ongoing leadership strengthens the regional economy and supports countless families. He highlighted that the Nation’s contributions are self-sustained, reinforcing long-term community stability.
The tribe manages 34 enterprises spanning various sectors. Beyond gaming and hospitality, its interests include retail and fuel distribution, financial services, information systems, telecom infrastructure, health services, engineering projects, energy initiatives, federal contracting, and cultural heritage programs.
In a notable expansion earlier this year, the Nation acquired the Rochester Knighthawks, a team in the National Lacrosse League, ensuring the franchise remains in Rochester and marking the tribe’s entry into professional sports ownership.
Councilor Odie Porter noted that the report validates the Nation’s role as a driver of employment and regional development without relying on public funding. He reiterated the tribe’s determination to grow its economic footprint independently, rooted in their ancestral territory.
Earnings from these businesses fund essential services for around 8,600 enrolled members. These include education, medical care, housing assistance, law enforcement, transit systems, job training, elder support, veteran programs, disability services, and cultural preservation efforts.
President Seneca reaffirmed the Nation’s enduring commitment to Western New York, underscoring its unmatched role in advancing the local economy through continuous investment and community-focused growth.
— news from Tribal Business News
— News Original —
Seneca Nation created nearly $2B in economic impact in 2024, report finds
A new report commissioned by the Seneca Nation places the tribe’s annual economic impact in Western New York at nearly $2 billion, supporting just over 8,000 jobs across 16 counties. n nThe independent analysis, prepared by Meister Economic Consulting, measured the effects of the nation’s government operations and business enterprises in 2024, expressed in 2025 dollars, according to a press release from the tribe. The report’s findings include $1.9 billion in total economic output, 8,014 direct and supported jobs, $542.7 million in wages, and $365.9 million in taxes and other payments to federal, state, and local governments. n nThat jobs figure includes indirect jobs. Directly, the Seneca Nation employs 4,623 full‑time and part‑time workers. Casino operations at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino, and Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino account for about 3,000 of those jobs. That total makes the tribe the 12th largest employer in Western New York, per a statement. n n“Our economic reach across our ancestral homelands is wide and growing,” Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca said during a press conference in Buffalo. “The Seneca Nation’s continued presence and leadership in Western New York provides important fuel to the region’s economy. Moreover, we provide for and help sustain the livelihoods of thousands of individuals and families who, like us, call this region home.” n nThe Seneca Nation operates 34 businesses across multiple industries. In addition to gaming and hospitality, the portfolio includes retail and fuel operations, banking and finance, information technology, telecommunications, healthcare, engineering, energy, federal government contracting, and cultural preservation. n nEarlier this year, the tribe acquired the Rochester Knighthawks, a National Lacrosse League franchise, keeping the team in Rochester and adding professional sports to its business operations. n n“Today’s study confirms what we already knew: the Seneca Nation creates jobs and drives growth — all without taxpayer dollars or subsidies,” Seneca Nation Councilor Odie Porter said in a statement provided to Tribal Business News. “Our goal is simple—keep building our future for Senecas and for Western New York, free of outside government interference. We’re not outsiders. We don’t need to be lured into investing here. This is our home, and we’re not going anywhere. We’re going to make it better.” n nRevenue from the tribe’s enterprises funds a wide range of government services for approximately 8,600 enrolled members. Programs include education, healthcare, housing, public safety, transportation, vocational training, and cultural preservation, as well as services for elders, veterans, and people with disabilities. n n“We are here and we are forever committed to this region,” President Seneca said. “The Seneca Nation has helped move the Western New York economy forward in a significant way that few others can match. With each step we take and each investment we continue to make, the benefits we deliver to our people improve and the economic impact we have here in Western New York grows stronger.”