Michigan also lacks viable mass transportation options so attractive to today's young college graduates. What must Michigan do to create cities that are talent magnets?
*Recognize what college graduates want in the city where they choose to live and work. A 2006 study by CEOs for Cities found that two-thirds of young, mobile college graduates today will decide where they want to live first, and then look for a job. They want safe, clean cities with cultural offerings and amenities, including parks and green space. They want to live in downtowns and walkable neighborhoods with public transportation, access to the Internet and other technologies.
*Recognize which industries are growing. While Michigan will continue to be more dependent on manufacturing than other states, most higher-wage jobs in the future will be created in "knowledge-based industries" including health care, education, financial services, marketing, management and other fields.
*Recognize what business owners and entrepreneurs want and need. A December 2007 survey of Michigan small businesses found community infrastructure and recruiting quality employees are top factors. In addition, entrepreneurs seek locations in Michigan cities with good physical and digital infrastructure and safe healthy environments.
If you get a chance, be sure to go read the entire column.
We've written more than once (here and here) about the importance of attracting young, talented workers to Michigan by building vibrant downtowns, so these suggestions seem like no-brainers to us.
If we can manage to get community leaders, elected officials, nonprofits and entrepreneurs on the same page when it comes to the importance of re-building our state's downtowns, we can attract 21st Century jobs and re-energize Michigan's economy.
Just remember: Housing = Jobs