Nebraska’s “brain drain” is a challenge for employers. With
the exception of 2010, about 5,000 residents have annually left the state. Those
moving consist largely of two age groups: recent college graduates (25-34) and
retirees (55-65+). Specifically, future workers or Young Professionals (YPs) and
those taking a lifetime of savings are leaving.
For some time we’ve had the nation’s lowest unemployment
rate. However, these are often low-skill, low-income jobs. In addition, Douglas,
Sarpy, and Lancaster counties are drawing residents from Nebraska’s other 90
rural counties.
Wednesday morning at five o'clock
As the day begin, silently closing her bedroom
door.
Leaving the note that she hoped would say more (She’s Leaving Home, The Beatles)
Recently, Lancaster County Clerk Matt Hansen tweeted, ‘Why are
young people moving away and what are can be done to get you to move back?’ Most
responses pointed to the toxicity of political extremism including the democracy-destroying
effects of Dark-Money on politics. Additional comments noted the lack of
diversity and career opportunities. Recently, reports substantiate these concerns.
She goes down the stairs to the kitchen, clutching
her handkerchief.
Quietly turning the backdoor key, stepping
outside, she is free
Lacking mountains, oceans, or the entertainment options
offered in larger markets, young people understandably want to see the world.
But many leave with a round-trip ticket in their pocket. The Boomerang Effect
is when college graduates leave only to move back as they enter their child-rearing
years. By a large margin, 78% of those leaving reported “professional growth
and/or development” was important when deciding to relocate: however, 80%
reported that “values or culture of the new community” were either “very” or “moderately
important” to their decision. Younger people want to live in communities that place
a higher value on diversity and are politically less toxic. Young workers will
forego salaries and benefits to work for organizations that demonstrate social
responsibility.
She, ... (we gave her most of our lives)
Is leaving (sacrificed most of our lives)
Home (we gave her everything money could buy)
Those moving away are most likely doing so because of a
change in marital status or some other family reason, cheaper housing, or to
attend college. However, when asked what’s preventing them from moving back, most
said a lack of diversity (25%), 16% reported political climate (and weather),
13% said taxes and 7% reported “closed-mindedness.” An Open Sky Policy
Institute webinar reported that “people move to follow jobs.” Additionally,
“taxes are not a big part of the decision calculus.”
Clearly, Nebraska’s Brain Drain is exacerbated by what is
said and how we say it.
Standing alone at the top of the stairs,
She breaks down and cries to her husband,
Daddy, our baby's gone.
Why would she treat us so thoughtlessly?
How could she do this to me?
While some tie diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to the
fear-mongering of wokeism, in 2016 Omaha’s Chamber of Commerce launched CODE or
Commitment to Opportunity, Diversity, and Equity. CODE is an effort to increase
workplace diversity to more accurately reflect Omaha’s demographics. A 2017
Data Users Conference presentation found that among Omaha’s African-Americans, key
quality of life variables have improved and/or exceed national averages
including increased graduation & bachelor degree rates, single-home and
business ownership, while poverty rates and long-term unemployment rates were
trending downward.
The Greater Omaha Chamber and Urban League reported 48% of
YPs moved to Omaha from elsewhere while another 19% Boomeranged back. However,
80% reported preferring to live elsewhere. This number rose to 87% among African-American
YPs. Yet, when asked specifically, YPs give Omaha high marks for ‘finding what
I need’ (68%), ‘feeling like a community member’ (65%), and ‘bonding with the
community’, (70%).
She (what did we do
that was wrong?)
Is Having (we didn't know it was wrong)
Something inside, that was always denied,
For so many years, She's leaving home
Responsible citizenship is your choice. At the heart of this
issue is creating a community that is good for everyone and thereby good for
business. Civil discussions about how to responsibly respond to evolving DEI standards
are good for everyone. The language and tactics used in these conversations matter.
Young Nebraskans are listening and they’ve been voting with their feet.
Positive efforts have been ongoing for years. Like most
things, stemming the Brain Drain asks individual Nebraskans to consider how
their actions, words, and values affect others and thereby the economy. Elevating
anxiety by driving fears over demographic change may win GOP votes but it’s a
long- term net negative for Nebraska.
Let’s choose to pursue a healthy political climate by
rejecting hyper-partisanship including MAGA-extremism. The Unicameral could help
by passing campaign laws effectively tamp-down Dark Money Politics. When
Nebraskans engage in calm, fact-based conversations on inclusion, it will signal
to YPs that Nebraska is welcoming to everyone.