Wyoming must look to youth as it looks to the future

The future of Wyoming is in its youth, according to Dan Gilmartin, CEO of the Michigan Municipal League.

Gilmartin explained his belief to Wyoming City Council members, planning commission members, and city staff at the annual council retreat last Friday.

And the city’s youth are leaving in droves, taking talent with them as they move to other cities. Young workers ages 24-35 are the key to the vitality of a city and the largest generation following the baby boomers. They thrive in urban tribes and tend to live and move together.
They seek cafes, arts and culture, bike paths and places where they can stumble into fun.

"Where do you spend your time here in Wyoming, or West Michigan," Gilmartin questioned. "People will move to find fun these days."

Full Story: http://www.mlive.com/grandvalleyadvance/index.ssf/2008/12/wyoming_must_look_to_youth_as.html

***

Form and substance can help Wyoming create vision for the future

While one speaker told them they need to attract more youth to Wyoming, another laid out the blueprint.

Geoff Ferrell, principal of Ferrell Madden Associates, spoke at last week’s city council retreat and told Wyoming leaders what youth are seeking, and what cities find that appeals to all age groups. New urbanism, which harkens back to the days of big city downtowns.

Buildings are built right up to the sidewalk, with retail on street level, and offices and housing on upper floors.

"It reminds me of Grand Rapids 70 years ago," said Planning Commission member Gerald Dieterman. "Today, everything is great big sprawling retail developments."

Full Story: http://www.mlive.com/grandvalleyadvance/index.ssf/2008/12/form_and_substance_can_help_wy.html