Dayton area has ‘enormous potential,’ according to report

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By Margo Rutledge Kissell, Staff Writer Updated 11:14 AM Thursday, June 25, 2009

The Dayton region has “enormous potential” to attract talented young people because of its many universities and colleges. But once they receive their degrees, many are fleeing the region for other cities with a more youthful appeal.

UpDayton — a DaytonCREATE project initiative that strives to spur economic growth by attracting and retaining young talent — issued its annual report on Wednesday, June 24. It summarizes the volunteer organization’s first year of research, including a survey, focus groups and the Young Creatives Summit in April.

The survey asked more than 500 young, creative professionals between 18 and 40 about their needs and experiences in the Dayton region. It found “the biggest gaps in regional performance in job opportunities, entertainment and nightlife, school systems and diversity.”

Ninety-five percent of respondents ranked job opportunities as very or extremely important, but only 17 percent gave the region a good or excellent rating.

Other key findings show young people:

• want a vibrant urban experience with lots to do in close proximity. Walkability is very important.

• perceive a disconnect between area universities and local employers. They’d like to see a greater regional focus on internships and other college outreach “to funnel graduates into the local job pipeline.”

• think diversity is an important factor and it’s holding back the region. “Young creatives want the feeling of a melting pot or mosaic from their city — in fact, it’s what helps make a place feel like a big city,” the report said.

• want local leaders to “take risks, establish a shared vision for the region and work together to tackle the region’s challenges.” The report recommends giving young people “a seat at the table” to play a meaningful role in regional planning.

Scott Murphy, project leader for upDayton, said they also heard a lot from respondents about difficulty finding information on things important to young people, including entertainment, jobs, entrepreneurships and volunteer opportunities.

“This generation, probably more than any before it, is accustomed to having information easily accessible. They expect the same from their city,” said Murphy, a University of Dayton graduate employed as a mechanical engineer at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

The full report is available at UpDayton.com .

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