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Minot and the Ward County region face a multitude of challenges and, fortunately, also are blessed with a number of terrific opportunities. Between the two, there is an agenda with which most are familiar and which includes all of the items on the Resiliency plan among others.
At this time of the year, when young people are graduating from regional high schools, colleges and universities, it's time to consider another item that one day in the not-too-distant future needs considerable attention on this agenda: retaining talent.
Like most cities its size, Minot's future depends in attracting and retaining residents. The historic flow of population from small towns to big cities isn't going to reverse itself anytime soon. That pattern has been influenced by a number of factors here - from the flood to the boom to the resulting real estate market. Despite the number of young people graduating from high schools here and the integral role of Minot State University, we aren't necessarily doing our best to attract young professionals and families to become permanent residents.
Some feel that economic development is the only factor when it comes to attracting and retaining new, young residents. Yes, jobs, a stable economy and a favorable business environment are important. Also, a few aspects that reportedly are important to young professionals happen to be things Minot does well - such as good schools and parks. However, the conversation is just starting about the things that have worked for other communities in attracting new residents: entertainment options and opportunities, live-work-play development, nightlife and culture, and civic institutions open to new faces and fresh energy.
Attracting and retaining young residents takes a vision and multi-tiered strategy. First and foremost, though, it takes recognition as an objective. It should be on the agenda.