Here in Pittsburgh, PA, city leaders have been scratching their heads for years over their continued brain drain. With an elite high-tech university (Carnegie Mellon), a very large university (Pitt) and many smaller colleges surrounding the region, there is a strong academic infrastructure. The very founder of the “Creative Class” paradigm, Richard Florida, lived and did his initial research here in Pittsburgh. There is a vibrant high-tech council, one of the nation’s strongest and best-run. There is even a relatively strong arts and cultural scene in the city.

And yet Pittsburgh’s population has dwindled, and Allegheny County is the 2nd oldest in the country. What are they doing wrong, and can West Virginia learn anything from their experience to address our own brain/youth drain situation?

Researchers have identified several factors that draw younger workers to a region. Some of them include:

• Other young people – This is a major chicken-or-egg problem, but not surprisingly, young people are attracted to being in a place where there are other young people. Getting tagged as a land of fogies is a major obstacle to overcome. This is particularly true due to the mating game. Most young people wait until after college to find their spouse or partner these days; if singles feel there is little chance of finding other singles of interest, there is little chance to attract them. This also relates to image; a region with a stodgy image is not likely to draw young people. Research has shown that most young people choose where to live first, then try to find a job there.
• Places to meet other young people – It’s not enough to have young people; you need a place for them to meet each other and stuff for them to do. What is the social scene? Are there “third places” for them to hang out (including late at night, or even on a Sunday evening)? Are concerts held that appeal to younger audiences?  Do arts/cultural institutions cater mostly to older patrons, or is there an alternative, youth-driven art scene? Do religious organizations reach out and provide opportunities for young people?
• Low-cost, but modern, housing – Housing costs are a major factor for young people just getting started. However, in many places, low-cost = low quality, or very old. This can provide an opportunity if there are incentives for re-habbing old neighborhoods or structures, but in most cases it means new development of townhouses, loft apartments/condos and other youth-oriented living space.
• Opportunities – Yes, this means jobs. But it also means the right kind of jobs. Often this means high-tech, creative sector jobs that are major draws for talented new college graduates. It also means an openness to young people participating in organizations that help them feel like they are making a difference. Are the boards of non-profits open to younger people, or are they only looking for the 50+ set who have already “made it” in their careers? Finally, it means an openness to young people taking risks and starting their own businesses.
• College-community connections – Many young people by definition are looking to “get out” of wherever they grew up or went to school to test themselves against new environments and challenges. But college students who, through internships or volunteerism, build strong relationships with their college community are more likely to stick around.

Duluth, MN, developed quite a dialogue on this topic, and here is their presentation (PowerPoint required) on their findings.

West Virginia has recently seen the creation of two exciting groups to address these needs. Generation West Virginia continues to ramp up around the state with organizations in Huntington, Charleston, Morgantown, Wheeling, Parkersburg and the Eastern Panhandle (Martinsburg). Generation West Virginia “is a growing movement of young leaders working to make our state and communities more vibrant and welcoming to young adults to ensure that we have a strong workforce, base of leaders, and growing communities throughout the future.”

The Young Entrepreneurs Support Network (YES Network) seeks to build mentoring relationships and networks for young entrepreneurs around the state. It has chapters in North Central, Eastern Panhandle, Advantage Valley (Huntington/Charleston), and New River Gorge regions.