Cities Draw Attention To 'Brain Drain' Problem

While places like Michigan and Cleveland are investing millions of dollars to lure 20-somethings back, some demographers think expectations are exaggerated.

1 minute read

July 15, 2004, 7:00 AM PDT

By Jeffrey Goodman


For Michigan, an overall loss of population masks an even more worrisome statistic: between 1995 and 2000, the state lost 43,000 young college graduates. Deprived of youthful energy, Rust Belt cities are becoming stagnant, unattractive, and unprofitable. In response, Gov. Jennifer Granholm's plan to give grants to attract that specific demographic has met small scale success. But looking at the larger picture, demographers doubt any amount of money could pin down the notoriously-flighty group.

Thanks to Jeffrey Goodman

Wednesday, July 14, 2004 in Associated Press

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