The Role of Downtown Development in Attracting Young Talent

Local government officials, community leaders, business owners and others are invited to learn about reversing the outmigration of youth in their community. Based on the 2020 census data (Hill, 2021), 87 of Illinois’ 102 counties experienced population decline between 2010 and 2020.  Communities across Illinois continue to experience an outmigration of its youngest and brightest talent.  So, what impact can downtown redevelopment have on reversing this exodus?  

Young adults are looking for a work-life balance and downtown centers have been shown to play a critical role in providing the amenities that can make communities more desirable to young talent.  Entrepreneurial opportunities, art, entertainment and housing options, to name a few.  Several research-based strategies will be discussed that communities can implement within their downtown development plans to help reverse this trend. Insights will also be provided into how remote work is providing more opportunities for people to migrate back to communities. Examples will also be provided of both rural and urban communities that have successfully implemented these strategies.  

According to the presenter, “the ability to attract young talent is critical to any community in Illinois.  Local and regional services impacted include school enrollment, availability of quality health care, future leadership, skilled workers and business development.  Developing a strategic plan or updating existing plans to specifically address outmigration and find ways to retain or attract young talent could have a major impact on any community’s future.”

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