DAYTON — When urban theorist Richard Florida came to Wright State University in March for a speaking engagement, he captivated several local leaders with his ideas that if a city isn't attracting a "creative class" of workers, its economy will wither and die.

He left behind several fans, catalyzed by the idea that growing a creative class here could spur the economy.

Since then, a Creative Class Task Force with members from 21 area organizations — major employers, colleges and universities, hospitals, and arts, recreation and development groups — has quietly mobilized.

The task force has recommended hiring Richard Florida's company, The Creative Class Group, starting in January to teach the region how to find its niche and grow a creative class.

Florida argues that the presence of a "high bohemian" class of artists, engineers, musicians, high-tech workers and creative thinkers drives economic growth more than the older approach of attracting companies.

"It's about talent, and creating the right environment for keeping and attracting talent," said David Hopkins, president of WSU, which has contributed along with other colleges towards the $150,000 cost of bringing Florida's company to Dayton. "It's about fixing the brain drain."

One member of the task force, Theresa Gasper, says evidence exists that it can work here.

In historic South Park, residents who are creative class types have worked with Gasper and Michael DiFlora to turnaround more than 30 vacant houses "to lift up the whole neighborhood at once," she said.

The revitalization is relying on the creative talent of the neighborhood's residents.

"They're change agents," Gasper said. "The creative class contributes to quality of life, which attracts employers and raises up the area. And Dayton is starved for that."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7404 or sgottschlich@DaytonDailyNews.com.

What is the creative class?

Occupations such as engineers, university professors, artists, poets, architects, health care professionals and business management in which a high degree of formal education and creativity are core components.

What makes a city creative?

The three T's: a talented, skilled, educated population; a tolerant, diverse community outlook; and a technological infrastructure necessary to support an entrepreneurial culture.

Source: Cities and the Creative Class by Richard Florida.

Related: Dayton area has ingredients for creative class, says task force group