As suggested in Dec. 27’s The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (“Communities covet millennial residents”), keeping the region competitive will require us to remain attractive to young professionals. And, a recent report from the think tank City Observatory shows that metro Atlanta is a top 10 metro area for 25- to 34-year-olds with at least a bachelor’s degree.
That’s good news, but we can’t take for granted that young people will remain in the region or move here after college. Millennials can and will go anywhere to find the kind of communities they like, so we must create the kind of place that will attract them to the region and keep them here. That’s why organizations like the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), the Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC), the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, United Way and others are working closely together to make sure that residents of all ages – including Millennials — find a high quality of life in the region and well-paying jobs to support their families.
ARC’s Regional Economic Competitiveness Strategy, is one such collaboration. Chaired by Craig Lesser of the Pendleton Group and Pedro Cherry of Georgia Power, more than 400 volunteers from the public, private and nonprofit sectors have been working to implement strategies in four areas that are critical to the region’s success — an educated workforce, an innovation economy, prosperous businesses and livable communities.
A second ingredient for maintaining our competitive edge, particularly among Millennials, is a world-class transportation network, which includes both improved roads and robust transit options. Through ARC’s Metro Atlanta Speaks public opinion poll, residents both young and old told us that transportation has replaced the economy as the region’s biggest perceived challenge. Furthermore, 92 percent of survey respondents think improved public transit is an important element for the region’s future development.
In November, Clayton County voters voted overwhelmingly to join the MARTA system and approved a one-cent increase in the sales tax to fund it. The Atlanta Streetcar opened this past week, and MARTA is moving forward with a study of possible new rail lines into North Fulton and the Clifton Corridor.
Despite these improvements, transportation funding remains one of the region’s greatest challenges. We hope that the General Assembly will take bold actions to address this critical need for funding when it convenes later this month. We will need improved and expanded roads, transit and more opportunities to walk and bike safely around the region.
Quality of life is a third ingredient needed for regional competitiveness. We must develop communities with amenities that appeal to young and old alike. Projects like the Atlanta BeltLine, Buckhead Atlanta, Avalon, Atlanta Streetcar and festivals like Music Midtown, TomorrowWorld and Taste of Atlanta are a few examples of how metro Atlanta is creating exciting and inviting lifestyle and experience options.
Quality education for our children and a secure water supply round out our list of critical elements for a competitive region. The newly formed Metro Atlanta Regional Education Partnership is bringing together MAC, ARC, Community Foundation, United Way and others to better knit together the many initiatives, programs and strategies underway to support metro Atlanta students from early learning to adulthood. And, our water use has declined by 10 percent over the last decade even as our population has grown by more than a million. That trend must continue, particularly in light of ongoing litigation over our water supplies.
Metro Atlanta is competing for talent with cities all over the country – and around the globe, and we must remain a top 10 place for Millennials. That’s why ARC is kicking off Millennial Advisory Committee to engage young adults in planning for the region’s future. After all, the region we’re planning for today is the one these young people will lead in 15 to 20 years.
ARC and our partners are dedicated to enhancing the region’s competitiveness and improving quality of life in the region. A recipe that includes an innovation economy, world-class transportation, vibrant communities, excellent schools and a secure water supply will help keep metro Atlanta on top as a place to live, learn, work and grow.
