In 2006, the Community Foundation interviewed 35 key informants - everyone from business leaders, elected officials, even young adults who moved away from the Twin Ports and asked them to provide their insights into why young adults leave this region and what we can do to keep them here. Respondent's comments were then compiled and analyzed for trends. We found that young adults are leaving this region for a variety of reasons - not just a lack of jobs as conventional wisdom would tell you.

The Community Foundation then convened a twelve-member task force with representation from Duluth and Superior who were charged with reviewing the survey findings in depth and prioritizing the many recommendations. The task force met from April 2006 - early 2007 and developed a series of key recommendations with the goal of creating a culture and/or activities that will lead to more young people choosing to reside in the Twin Ports. See the "Solutions" report above for their recommendations and more about the Community Foundation's interest in the Young Adult issue.

Task Force Members: John Bennett, Jen Bertsch, Jenny Carey (Chair), Craig Chilcote, Drew Digby, Lisa Heyesen, Jennifer Medak, Don Ness, Fariba Pendleton, Jill Rogers, Jennifer Smith and Laura Whittaker.

Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation Key Informant Survey. View PowerPoint Here.