jim dunlap

Grand Rapids: Place = Talent Retention & Attraction

Why talent?

The most valuable resource of the 21st century is:

BRAINS.

• Research

• Engage millennials

• Review best practices in other cities

• Share local vision

• Share investment

• Seek employer collaboration

CEO process: Understand how a strong, diverse urban setting can

help attract & retain talent.

Grand Rapids What’s Next…

• Business joined CEOs for Cities as a city cluster.

• Business pays for Mayor, City Commission, City Manager, City Planner, Downtown Development Authority to attend CEOs for Cities.

• Business pays to bring in experts to share knowledge and help to create conversation:

• Roger Martin (Design Thinking)• Jeff Speck (Walkability)• Kevin Colleran (Facebook)• Clay Shirkey (Impact of Social Connections)

Talent = Economic stability and growth.

Our learning…

First priority: Talent chooses where they want to live.

Place matters:- Culture

- Feel of a city- Walkability- Green attitude- Live/work/play- Vibe- Reputation

Grand Rapids: Guiding Principles

• City must have a vibrant urban core.• Programming is more important than

buildings.• Youth must be engaged, empowered.• Everyone in the city is an ambassador.• Little things matter.• We are NOT afraid to fail.

Philanthropy can help drive change.

Understanding what THEY need…

The MILLENNIALS: - 72 million educated 24-38 year-olds

- Thinks green

- Seeks diversity

- Mostly single

- Mobile

Place matters.

So what does this all mean?

Encourage: - Attainable housing - Diverse lifestyles - Flexible work environments - New, different building uses

Madcap Coffee House

38 Commerce

Apartments

Changed thinking:Walkability: - City streets NOW have a walk score of 54. - 21% Neighborhoods have a walk score of 70

or above.

Bike Lanes: Grand Rapids NOW - has more than 125 miles of trails in and around the city.- has added downtown bike lanes.- is working to connect an entire system.

Celebrate innovation:Recognized Green Leader: - Grand Rapids is home to: ~ more than 120 LEED- certified buildings.

~ first LEED-certified art museum in the world.

- City has earned United Nations sustainability award.

- City is investing in rapid transit.

Business and philanthropy must invest in “What they like…”

Nightlife: - Public-private investments working side-by-side- The Arena District- Top 20 arena entertainment venues in North America.

• Vibe

Invest in ways they can meet: - Culture and Cocktails - Hockey Night

Accept change and “their” culture:

Grand Rapids World Records: - Zombie Walk - National Pillow Fight

Changing Culture: - Outdoor Movie Nights - Tuesday Night Dances - Chalk Festivals

Diverse Experiences Matter: - GRAM on the Green - Style Battle - Blues on the Mall

What they like…

Diverse Experiences: - Artwalks - Rock the Rapids

Not JUST Millennials.

Balance Programming Between the Ages:

- Diana: A celebration targeted women 45-65 years old and attracted more than

90,000 women to the art museum.

Stage major events in new spaces:

New Year’s On The Grand

Invest in THEIR ideas:ArtPrize

Invest in THEIR ideas:ArtPrize

Invest in THEIR ideas:LaughFest

Invest in THEIR ideas:TEDx Grand Rapids

Invest in new ways and spaces to work.

MoBevy: A small business incubator.

Invest in new ways and spaces to work.

GRid 70: A design hub shared by Merrill Shoes, Amway, Meijer and Steelcase ideation teams.

Invest in new ways and spaces to work. MoDiv: An urban retail incubator and shared kitchen.

Talent and place.Business/Retail Incubators: 5x5

Support through mentoring.JEM & Momentum

What’s Next Now.Grand Rapids Rowing (Illuminate the River)

What’s Next Now.An Urban Market

What’s Next: Public-Private Partnerships