Be hip and they will come; What are other regions doing to keep their YPs?

Detroiter, June, 2008 by Jennifer Baum

Wichita, Kansas

The Center for Economic Development and Business Research at Wichita State University recently launched a study to research how 18 to 40-year-old professionals perceive the livability of Wichita. The short survey, which can be taken online, offers young professional the chance to tell Wichita community leaders what they're looking for in a place to live and work and what's working and not working in Wichita.

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City leaders are also encouraging young professionals to donate time to a cause they are passionate about, join a nonprofit board or simply enjoy the things that Wichita already has to offer. The city also offers an organizations called Young Professionals of Wichita, which is dedicated to attracting and retaining young diverse talent through professional and social immersion in the community. The organization holds five to seven events a month that include social events and professional development workshops.

Cincinnati, Ohio

More than 7, 200 people born between 1966 and 1975 left Cincinnati's Hamilton County in the 1990s at 6 percent loss, according to an analysis of Census data by The Cincinnati Enquirer. Hamilton lost more than any other Urban country in the Midwest. Today things are starting to look different, with own housing costs and specific campaigns targeting young professionals beginning to draw them back. Cincinnati also boasts several groups working to help the young professional population thrive. Including Playhouse in the Park, Downtown Cincinnati Inc. Cincinnati Partnership and Give Back Cincinnati.

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Tampa, Florida

An interesting city to Keep an eye on will be Tampa, which ranked at the bottom of Forbes 2007 "Best Cities for Young Professionals" list. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tampa sits second to last among cities ranked for the number of those aged 20 to 35 and last for how many people in that demographic have never been married. However, It's working to improve that image. Emerge Tampa is a leadership program that encourages young professionals to continue their careers in the region and develop their skill set.

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