Donald Shoup's 2005 book entitled "The High Cost of Free Parking" has sparked a groundswell of discussion, first among city planners and city government officials, and more recently filtering down to those of all walks who are interested in their community's vitality.  Shoup's premise, which is backed by an interesting amount of data, is that parking in U.S. cities have been almost entirely poorly planned, with the result that everyone bears an extremely high cost burden and the impacts of inferior design.  With 99% of trips nationwide resulting in free parking, it is certainly the "American way", and how could we not get used to the convenience and apparent thrift? 

Mr. Shoup states however that the cost of this underutilization of our valuable city properties is displaced first to developers of a site, and filters down to everyone else including the business owners and customers.  His research finds that nationwide, the cost of off street parking is likely near $300 billion annually, which falls approximately between what the U.S. government spends annually on its Medicare and defense budgets. 

This research should shake our concept that all development require off-street parking to accomodate maximum use.  Unfortunately, most communities do require this for almost any scale of building, but some communities have changed direction.  When Shoup travels to discuss his research, he provides enlightening examples of cities such as Pasadena, California which have decided to be proactive in this area.  They have metered all of their parking and continue to add on-street parking.  All funds raised are dedicated to redevelopment of the downtown Old Pasadena area.  Since this was instituted, this formerly blighted area has made a complete turn-around and is now a popular and busy area. 

To really make change in a community, sometimes significant change is needed.  This interesting idea is one which may be finding some ground among Americans who are taking a closer look at the vitality and design of their downtown areas. 

Census 2010 is coming and some interesting changes are ahead.  Did you know that the “long form” is already a piece of American history?  All households will only receive the short form, a transition that has been in the works for a very long time.  The detailed demographic information once gathered in the long form has been replaced by the “American Community Survey” (ACS), an annual survey of a rolling sample across the U.S. population. 

ACS use will present some challenge to rural communities as small geographies will be aggregated, with data displayed as multi-year averages rather than single points of information.  The goal is better reliability given how the data is gathered.  This will necessitate a different way of looking at demographic information for rural areas and present a definite learning curve for both novice and seasoned users of this information. 

The Census Bureau is investing heavily in a communication plan to encourage response- to count every “breathing human” in the U.S.  Immigrant (including undocumented) populations are a significant target of this effort.  Of note to our area, college students are a group often difficult to reach through Census counts.  You will certainly be hearing more about the upcoming Census.  I’d be curious to hear your thoughts on any of these changes. 

So much for the elderly, or those just out of college being the most financially stressed?  Financial strains across all age groups are surely found, particularly in this time of increasing costs of living and economic challenges.  However, the article does raise valid points about the struggles that early-mid career professionals are facing across the U.S.  Gen X is noted for its cynicism, but perhaps a “healthy” dose of skepticism is not a bad concept, as it may encourage financial independence and long-term security.  The region and nation will need a lot more families who have planned to weather bumpy economic roads in order to avoid further housing foreclosures, bankruptcies or other personal/large scale economic disasters.    

As for that “stress”, I would vouch for my peer group that this is certainly a topic much-discussed.  The financial challenges of the pressure to save heavily for retirement, actual or impending care of ageing parents, children to rear, and yes, even the homes that we are accustomed to, can be a nearly overwhelming burden.  We hope that our cynicism serves us well, but that other age groups take a kind step in reminding us to enjoy life along the way. 

This is a topic that seems to be garnering increasing interest both locally and nationally.  Most agree that “young professionals” are those either actively participating in the workforce, or those who are temporarily inactive (recent graduates job-seeking or temporary stay-at-home parents for instance) in the workforce, across most, if not all, job fields.  The age group of young professionals is largely recognized to be comprised of “Generation X-ers” and the “Millenials”.  Who are these groups?  A quick introduction….

“Generation X” is the term given to the post “Baby Boom” generation- those born roughly between the early 1960’s and 1980.  Generation X-ers were the first American generation exposed to rapid expansions in technology, growing up with computer technology as the norm.  This age group also experienced significant social changes, with a majority growing up in households with dual incomes, and national and world crises such as AIDS, economic recessions and corporate downsizing.  This backset created a generation that is known for its self-sufficiency, technology and media savvy, and some measure of cynicism about traditional institutions.    

“Millenials” is the term given to the generation, mainly children of baby boomers, who were born between the early 1980s and roughly 2001.  This generation has an extreme knowledge and comfort level with ever-changing technology, and is typified by a family background that valued a nurturing environment that emphasized conflict diffusion or mediation skills.  Good communication, availability of technology and opportunities to be heard are important for this generation.  

Currently these two generations comprise approximately 60% of the population in Clinton County.  About two-thirds of this group are old enough to work as adults.  As baby boomers retire, the “young professional” workforce will play an increasingly important role in regional economies.  U. S Bureau of Labor Statistics and State Department of Labor reports show a nearly flat level workforce across the nation, New York State and within our region.  This is projected to intensify over the next generation. 

The North Country works extremely hard at growing its economy, with many great results.  To stay competitive economically we must meet the need for employees by successfully retaining the “Gen X-ers” and “Millenials” that are here, and attracting new residents who are in their working years.  A healthy and growing base of young professionals, a group that by its own nature is constantly redefined as many “age out”, will provide the critical link between the experience of our mature job base and the technology and leaders of both today and tomorrow.