New Jack Radio

Today I listened to the Brian and Joe show on WAIF, the radio equivalent of the more amicable discussions that take place among local bloggers. The production is surprisingly smooth, and the topics are familiar. Cincinnati development, revenue, crime, the Internet - all of this was discussed, as well as 'YPs', young professionals.

I've noticed that a lot of young professionals are eager to fall all over themselves trying to explain the importance of (guess who?) young professionals. "I'm vital for the city's well being!" they seem to be saying. "More coffee shops and accessible parking on crime free streets! And build more retail outfits sort of like Anthrpologie but locally owned, so I don't feel guilty!"

Don't get me wrong, unencumbered professionals are a benefit, because without children or a mortgage they can spend fistfuls of money in the city during the years between college and the time they get married and buy a house in a sub-development in the outer counties. Even though I don't quite fit the demographic (since I've got kids, and I'm 34) I do live in town. And I support the groups that promote this approach, such as Give Back Cincinnati and Cincinnati Advance. (But on what are we advancing, Indiana? Now we're giving back?) And the notion of a creative class sounds tremendously appealing - as if I will be attending many parties with people wearing small glasses who name-check Jean Genet.

A tail-wagging enthusiasm and self-absorption is endemic to people in their 20s. But a sense of investment comes into play later - when homes, school systems, and safety are in the mix. Show me more neighborhoods with yards, clean sidewalks, kids, shops (not drunk idiots puking on lawns at 1AM) and you will be much closer to the goal of a stronger city. Show me the young professionals who have taken root in the community and have a stake in it's institutions. Those are the folks with the future in mind.