How could she convince her council that this was a good investment? I suggested she “sell” the idea as their commitment to being a family-friendly town. My question to her was what do we consider family? Is it just the new young family with 3 kids, or is it the family of our community? I suggest it’s the latter.

That got me thinking about opportunities and recruitment. Conversations about recruiting youth back are plentiful – and I’m the first one on that bandwagon, especially in light of recent census data showing rural youth outmigration. But are we missing the boat by ignoring recruitment of Baby Boomers and seniors?

I think we are. Boomers are approaching retirement, and, in fact, many are already there. A good number desire to move to a rural community – but how and why should we do that?

The whys:

• Knowledge and experience – Boomers have been out living in and working in the world and have learned a lot. We should tap into those resources.
• New community leaders – many of these folks want to become involved.
• Possibility of attracting their adult children.
• New business startups (a large number of people this age start successful small businesses).
• Fresh perspectives to community development.

The hows:

In general, Boomers and seniors want what everyone wants in a town: great livability and quality of life. “Livability” is all the factors that add up to a community’s quality of life: built and natural environments; economic prosperity, social stability and equity; educational opportunity; and cultural, entertainment and recreation possibilities.

The how’s then include a lot of outreach and marketing of your community to capitalize on the quality of life your town offers in regard to health, safety, housing, education and transportation. This group of folks is becoming more health conscious, especially Boomers.

Biking and hiking trails, nutrition education and fitness programs are big draws, as are opportunities to develop their artistic side. Oakland, Nebraska, is a great example. They advertise the Oakland Art Klub that welcomes “all enthusiastic artists from the beginner to the experienced, along with photographers and provide periodic art classes from pottery to painting.” (See www.ci.oakland.ne.us/interest.asp)

And finally, Boomers and seniors who are considering moving to your community want to know they can stay there, and the town will provide opportunities to age in place. It all comes back to being a family-friendly town. For more information and ideas, please visit our Renew Rural America pages, www.cfra.org/renewrural.

Contact Kathie Starkweather, kathies@cfra.org or 402.438.8496 to share your thoughts.