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Demographic Trends Affecting Cities

Demographic Trends Affecting Cities . Engaging the Younger Generations. Outline. Trends Generational influences Implications for cities Civic engagement City employment Checklist for cities Information resources . Trends. Younger generations: Under 42 years old in 2007

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Demographic Trends Affecting Cities

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  1. Demographic Trends Affecting Cities Engaging the Younger Generations

  2. Outline • Trends • Generational influences • Implications for cities • Civic engagement • City employment • Checklist for cities • Information resources

  3. Trends • Younger generations: • Under 42 years old in 2007 • Generation X (born 1965-1976) • Millennial Generation (born 1977-1995) • Present cities with new opportunities and new challenges

  4. Generational Influences • Shaped by experiences, societal trends and world events • Economic prosperity • Divorce explosion • Corporate scandal & downsizing • Environmental degradation • International terrorism • Growing federal debt

  5. Generational Influences • Experiences shape generational beliefs • Responsible for own economic success & happiness • Mistrust of organizations, including government • Oriented to technology • Want immediate impact • Value a “balanced” lifestyle

  6. Implications for Cities • Opportunities & Challenges • Civic Engagement • City Employment

  7. Civic Engagement: Connect in different ways • Bring discussions to them – coffee shops, ball games, etc. • Use technology – interactive websites, blogs, on-line discussion forums, etc. • Interactive dialogue – present key points, then open floor for Q & A • Show that city government can get things done –make a difference in community by being involved

  8. City Employment: Challenges • Need to replace large number of retiring employees • View of employment in government: • Stodgy • Bureaucratic • See non-profit sector as having impact on community

  9. City Employment: Challenges • Younger generations largely uninformed about government as an employer • Not looking for lifetime employment • Align their immediate interests and goals with needs of city

  10. City Employment: Challenges Minnesota Government Has Fewer Young Workers And More Old Workers Than The Private Sector 2004 American Community Survey

  11. City Employment: Challenges MN labor force growth is expected to slow

  12. City Employment: Opportunities • Connect with students to explain city government • Build relationships with institutes of higher learning to develop degree programs in needed skill areas • Tell stories about what city employees do

  13. City Employment: Opportunities • Reframe city employment as policy leadership • Recreate job announcements to be exciting & attractive • Ensure employee access to cutting-edge technology

  14. City Employment: Flexibility • Attract younger workers with flexible work policies: • Flex time • Part time options • Telecommuting • Options for time off for family events & personal pursuits

  15. City Employment: Environment • Adopt supervisory practices that meet the needs of younger workers: • Independence • Periodic feedback • Opportunity for mentoring with senior employees • A fun and stimulating work environment

  16. Checklist for Cities • Does our city leadership understand Generation X & the Millennials • Is our leadership willing to make changes necessary to engage these generations • What city amenities or characteristics will retain or attract young people to our community

  17. Checklist for Cities: Civic Engagement • How does our city currently interact with citizens • Traditional methods (public hearings) or new ways • Opportunities for public participation • Reach citizens where they’re comfortable – coffee shops, community center, etc. • Youth involvement – youth commissions, advisory boards or task forces • Use Internet to inform public & receive feedback • Show citizens that city actually gets things done • Does behavior convince people that serving in city office is worth their while

  18. Checklist for Cities: City Employment • How can we change employment practices to attract the next generation of city workers • Are we reaching out to potential future city workers • Who are job announcements oriented to: • those looking for lifetime civil-service employment; or • those interested in building a personal career, making a difference and living a flexible lifestyle

  19. Checklist for Cities: City Employment • Do employees have access to cutting-edge technology • Able to incorporate social networking habits and technologies into how they do work • Are we creating opportunities for career growth • Mentoring • Professional development • Meaningful internships

  20. Checklist for Cities: City Employment • Are junior employees: • Given opportunities to work on projects of significance • Allowed to exercise a good deal of independence • Given periodic feedback

  21. Resources • Civic Engagement: • Sean Kershaw, Executive Director Citizens League • City Employment: • Susan Arntz, ICMA/MCMA Next Generation Initiative www.icma.org

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