David Ross: Bright days ahead for Duluth

Our beloved Emerald City on the Hill is experiencing an invigorating renaissance. Indications of this revitalization are everywhere.

The median age of our citizenry has grown substantially younger. The 2000 census identified the median age at 35.4 years. By 2009, it dropped to 28.5 years. The largest growth in the Zenith City’s population is in the age group from 5 to 24 years of age. A younger, more vibrant population is just one indication of the renaissance.

Additionally, our community is less dependent on local government jobs. In 1980, government employment made up 24 percent of all jobs in our fair city. Government employment is now just 17 percent of an expanding job base. Health care has become the predominant employer in Duluth, providing 30 percent of all employment. Other key growth sectors include: education, architecture, engineering and computer system design.

There is more good news. We are attracting and retaining more young adults within our workforce. This has enabled Duluth’s income structure to more closely resemble more cosmopolitan cities, such as Minneapolis, where young professionals are the key drivers of the economy. For the first time in Duluth’s history, those from 25 to 44 years of age had a slightly higher household income than their 45- to 64-year-old peers. The Duluth Area Chamber’s sustained, comprehensive initiative to attract and retain young professionals is contributing to our community’s success.

Objective observers are heralding our shining city on the shores of the greatest of the Great Lakes. Money magazine recently named Duluth one of its most livable cities. CNN lists Duluth as among its 25 best places to retire. The website 10Best.com says, “Duluth is back on its feet again as a popular destination for families, business persons, the young and the old. With strong and steady historic, artistic and architectural scenery, mild summer temperatures and tons of affordable things to do, Duluth is the perfect spot for those looking to get away from the grind.”

I agree. It is also the perfect spot to work and reside.

Those of us who have the privilege and the pleasure of making Duluth our home realize this is, indeed, the perfect spot. Others are noticing. The future of the Christmas City of the North is as bright as its bedazzling holiday lights.