The Young and Mobile

With baby boomers set to retire and a labor shortage looming, cities should start thinking about attracting and retaining college-educated 25- to 34-year-olds, says a new study by CEOs for Cities. Dubbed "The Young and Restless in a Knowledge Economy," the study argues that cities will need young adults because they are the most entrepreneurial, well educated, adaptable, mobile and relatively inexpensive age group. The cities best positioned to draw young adults are the ones with attractive close-in neighborhoods and ethnically diverse populations — young adults are disproportionately located in the center of metro areas and much more diverse than the overall U.S. population, according to statistics cited. The study recommends officials focus on economic development by investing in higher education, vibrant urban neighborhoods and cultural arts, and by promoting initiatives that will help women and minorities achieve their goals. >Link (PDF)

Posted by Admin at January 5, 2006 04:05 PM