Young Professionals in a Metropolitan East a report to North Carolina’s Eastern Region February 17, 2010

A New NC

Two questions 1)What would we learn by looking at economic development opportunities in Eastern North Carolina through a “metropolitan’’ lens as distinct from the traditional “rural’’ lens? 2) What steps should the region take to attract and retain young professionals?

Scope of N.C. East Project Data analysis Interviews: face to face conversations with 70 young professionals working in the region + 15 who have left the region. Poll: surveyed 1,874 residents of all ages in 9 counties. Case studies: similarly situated regions and sub-regions.

Economic Development Regions

Clustering of metro amenities

960,000 people across 13 counties. 10% of people; 13% of land; 18% of municipalities. Pitt & Onslow growing faster than state average. State of the Region

63/30/7 white/black/other 35% of residents yrs. old (NC=39%) 18% of residents 25+ have BA (NC=26%) State of the Region

1)Multi-level disconnectedness 2)Equal feelings of hope and concern about progress in the region. 3)Amenities and cultural/natural resources are vital to young professionals. 3 General Observations

“The towns in the east don’t work together and try too hard to compete with one another.” – Single black male, age 24. Little sense of regionalism

“All the professional firms…are segregated. There are black professionals and white professionals that don’t interact.” – Single white female, age 30. Racial disconnectedness

Disconnected Generations “City leaders are old and traditional. They aren’t willing to try new things or change the status quo.” – Married white male, age 28.

“Unless you are ‘Old Rocky Mount,’ there is not a lot of opportunity professionally or in civic life.” – Married white male, age 34. New East v. Old East

60% of residents and 66% of residents think the region is on the wrong track. YET, 71% of residents and 64% of year olds think the region is “good” or “excellent” place to live. Where there’s contradiction, there’s hope

How would you rate Eastern N.C. as a place to live?

86% of young adults said that career opportunities for their generation were fair to poor. YET, more than 70% of young adults planned to stay in the region. Where there’s contradiction, there’s hope

“Single people can’t stand living here, while it is a great place for married couples.” – Married white male, age 25. “It’s extremely difficult to find a husband or wife…everything is geared toward college students or older people.” – Single white female, age 31. Where there’s contradiction, there’s hope

“Everyone…is either very well-off or poor. The middle-class is the one that moves.” Married white male, age 34. “Great place to raise a family.” “Laid back way of life.” “Friendly people.” - common refrain in interviews Where there’s contradiction, there’s hope

The lack of amenities and social/cultural opportunities for young adults was a common criticism in interviews. Poll: 40% of young adults under 35 were dissatisfied with their community’s cultural resource offerings. Only 21% were satisfied or very satisfied. Making way for amenities

Which of these entities should take the lead in improving the quality of life?

Local governments in the East spend the least of any region on recreational and cultural activities. The East has the least amount of state and locally funded recreational area of any region— nearly 20,000 acres less than next lowest region. Making way for amenities

Local governments in the East spend the least of any region on school capital and are tied spending the least on school operations per capita. * 87% of young adults polled said education was a problem. 59% said it was a big problem. * SOURCE: N.C. Department of Treasurer, pulled from the Annual Financial Information Report forms under “intergovernmental expenditures: public school capital outlay” and “public school current expenditures.” School—the ultimate amenity

Resource opportunities Neuse river water accessNeuse river land access Source: N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Office of Environmental Education

Invest in local and regional mechanisms to engage young adults in the future of the region. Greenville is a primary hub; Jacksonville poised to follow. Small business opportunities based on amenities and regional products. Land and water provide opportunities for resource development and regional branding. Findings

For More Information Program on Public Life UNC-Chapel Hill CB# 3365 Chapel Hill, NC Phone: (919) Ferrel Guillory, Director Andrew Holton, Associate Director Jennifer Weaver, Assistant Director