This is admittedly a simplistic, techie suggestion, but there are a few easy indicators of a small city worth considering for relocation. One is a citywide fiber optic network. That’s the railroad / highway of the 21st century. This can be a project of the city government, electric utility, port commission, etc. Another positive indicator is the presence of EV chargers for travelers passing through. EV chargers are actually a draw because the become a potential destination for EV owners who are in the area and need a charge. Each charge takes a minimum of 30 minutes and if there’s something interesting within an easy walk, such as a cafe... win / win. Another is a local college - community, technical, or traditional 4 year that have RELEVANT programs such as computer science, engineering, etc. Another is use of solar energy (again, as an INDICATOR). Lastly, a Makerspace that is independent (but works cooperatively) with the school system. Such things are important to attract new residents who do remote work and can thus bring their job WITH them.As you note, there is a growing segment of the population that can choose to live nearly anywhere, and as a techie that can do so, those are things I look for in a city that is serious about guiding its future, not just coasting along or (more commonly) coasting down.
I agree, that as our town grows to be more modern, it will appeal more generally. I have asked the mayor about vehicle charging stations, and have even looked for lots where I could install a commercial charger.
It is nice to see i3 Fiber going through most of the town, and now Brightspeed coming as well.
Now my biggest and most aggressive push is for a Makerspace. I am willing to just start in my garage and bootstrap up if I have to. I will do as much as I can myself, but I know I will need help to open a large space. (Looks like Churchill is going to be turned to housing, which hey... fulfills part of this plan)
This is admittedly a simplistic, techie suggestion, but there are a few easy indicators of a small city worth considering for relocation. One is a citywide fiber optic network. That’s the railroad / highway of the 21st century. This can be a project of the city government, electric utility, port commission, etc. Another positive indicator is the presence of EV chargers for travelers passing through. EV chargers are actually a draw because the become a potential destination for EV owners who are in the area and need a charge. Each charge takes a minimum of 30 minutes and if there’s something interesting within an easy walk, such as a cafe... win / win. Another is a local college - community, technical, or traditional 4 year that have RELEVANT programs such as computer science, engineering, etc. Another is use of solar energy (again, as an INDICATOR). Lastly, a Makerspace that is independent (but works cooperatively) with the school system. Such things are important to attract new residents who do remote work and can thus bring their job WITH them.As you note, there is a growing segment of the population that can choose to live nearly anywhere, and as a techie that can do so, those are things I look for in a city that is serious about guiding its future, not just coasting along or (more commonly) coasting down.
I agree, that as our town grows to be more modern, it will appeal more generally. I have asked the mayor about vehicle charging stations, and have even looked for lots where I could install a commercial charger.
It is nice to see i3 Fiber going through most of the town, and now Brightspeed coming as well.
Now my biggest and most aggressive push is for a Makerspace. I am willing to just start in my garage and bootstrap up if I have to. I will do as much as I can myself, but I know I will need help to open a large space. (Looks like Churchill is going to be turned to housing, which hey... fulfills part of this plan)