Freeport, Il---Ever wondered what your community could do to reverse outmigration of young adults?  Based on the new census data (Hill, 2021), 87 of Illinois’ 102 counties experienced population decline between 2010 and 2020.  Almost every rural county in Illinois has experienced an outmigration of its youngest and brightest talent and unfortunately, the trend appears to be continuing. Although the effects of the pandemic on outmigration have not had much research devoted to them yet, many experts are predicting that the pandemic may have changed migration patterns, especially in younger adults able to work remotely. 

On Tuesday, April 5, 2022, the University of Illinois Extension and the Greater Freeport Partnership will offer a program which will discuss several research-based strategies that communities can implement now to help reverse the trend, including insights into how remote work may provide more opportunities for people to migrate back to rural communities.  The program will be followed by a young adult panel discussion. Reversing the Exodus will begin at 5:30 pm at the Great Freeport Partnership Office, 110 W. Main Street, Freeport. There is no cost to attend; a light supper will be offered beginning at 5:00 pm.

“There are so many things that are impacted by the outmigration of young adults from rural communities, including school enrollment, availability of quality health care, future leadership, a skilled workforce and business development” according to the presenter Pam Schallhorn, Community and Economic Development Specialist for Extension. “Developing a strategic plan to address outmigration and attract young adults back into rural communities could have a major impact on a community’s future.”

For more information or to register, please contact the U of I Extension at 815-235-4125 or online at https://extension.illinois.edu/jsw.