Recently, Decatur, Indiana hosted an event focused on understanding what young adults—aged 18 to 24—are looking for in a place to settle down. This initiative stems from Mayor Dan Rickord’s belief that for Decatur to flourish, it must be a place where young adults want to live, work, and raise families. He feels that the next generation is key to ensuring Decatur’s future vibrancy. In a time when it is critical to retain those who have grown up there, the mayor feels the best way to do that is by better understanding what draws them to a community.

Direct Engagement: Listening to the Young Adults

Rather than make assumptions about what factors are most important to this age group, the city chose to go directly to the source. They wanted to know what today’s 18- to 24-year-olds value when thinking about settling down. What factors make a city attractive to them? Do they prioritize restaurant choices, public services, access to healthcare, economic opportunities, or vibrant park amenities?

One of the unique advantages in today’s world is that many young adults can work from anywhere. This allows cities to create communities that align with their priorities and provide the quality of life they desire. Mayor Rickord wants Decatur to be a place where young adults can thrive both professionally and personally. This event was their first step in discovering how to make that happen.

The Event: A Fun and Insightful Evening

Held at the local bowling alley, the free event provided a relaxed atmosphere for young adults to come together and share their thoughts. Free food and bowling allowed attendees to enjoy a meal while engaging in conversation. Mayor Rickord had set a modest goal of attracting 20 attendees but was pleasantly surprised to see 30 young adults show up—an indication that there is strong interest in this type of dialogue.

During the event, attendees expressed gratitude to the mayor for creating the opportunity to share their views. One participant remarked that it was encouraging to see local leaders genuinely care about their opinions. This moment reaffirmed to Mayor Rickord that the city is on the right track in engaging this important group.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Conversation

Attendees completed a survey to assess their ideal living amenities in a community. The city is reviewing those results and keeping the survey open, hoping to gather additional feedback from other young adults. Their goal is not only to gain valuable insights into what young people want in their community but also to demonstrate that the city genuinely values their opinions and vision for Decatur.

The city is committed to hosting more events like this, providing an ongoing platform for young adults to connect with local leaders, share ideas, and voice their perspectives. By doing so, they hope to create a community where the next generation feels heard, valued, and excited to invest in Decatur’s future.