Cedar Rapids Next Generation Commission

By Mark Geary, Reporter

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By Mark Geary

Story Created: Nov 19, 2008 at 9:19 PM CST

Story Updated: Nov 19, 2008 at 9:19 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS – A group of young adults in Cedar Rapids is organizing to help get their voices heard in the community and city government.

The group's name is the Cedar Rapids Next Generation Commission.

Multiple studies have shown that a lot of young people get their college degree in Iowa, but then leave the state shortly after graduation.

This new group wants to stop that trend. They want to highlight fun things to do ... like going to a concert at the U.S. Cellular Center ... and also help dream up new ideas to get younger people more involved.

If you look hard enough, you shouldn't have trouble finding a place to work, shop or eat at in Cedar Rapids....

"But we really haven't advertised to young professionals the way we should," Natalie Ditmars said.

The commission wants to market the city and all of the job opportunities that are available.

"If you give them a great job and then invite them to be part of the community, very seldom do people leave,” Christian Fong said.

Ditmars works as an attorney at Bradley and Riley. She got involved with another organization targeted at young professionals called "Access Iowa."

"You can do as much or as little as you want, plus it's a great networking opportunity,” she said.

Ditmars says young people not only want a great job, but also a social life when they choose where to live.

"What it's going to come down to is, 'What extracurricular activities are available? What entertainment is available?'" she said.

Organizers for the new commission plan to make entertainment easier to find. And, they want to work on projects that will actually change the community in a visible way.

"The last thing anyone wants is another group that talks or another group that plans. Our generation is an action generation,” Fong said.
The city council is still debating about whether to make this a formal commission or just let the group work on projects.

Either way, at Wednesday’s council meeting, every member seemed excited about the idea.

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