Wyoming Leaders Gather to Discuss Predicted Retiree Boom
Source: AARP.org | December 10, 2003
Sheridan Mayor Jim Wilson stood before a crowd of Wyoming's business and civic leaders to discuss the inclusion of retirees in local development plans.
"We say, bring 'em on," Wilson announced.
The crowd participated in a workshop called "Ahead of the Curve: Economic Planning for Wyoming's Retirement Boom," held by Governor Dave Freudenthal and AARP Wyoming in Cheyenne on Nov 5. Nearly 100 leaders gathered to explore the best ways to tap a burgeoning population of retirees. By the year 2020, Wyoming is predicted to lead the nation in the percentage of residents age 65 and over.
"We need to stop focusing on the negative," Gov. Freudenthal said, referring to projections that Wyoming will see a significant growth in baby boomers. Boomers are currently between the ages of 39 and 57.
"This group knows more, has experienced more and has greater insights. Much of the dynamic leadership in Wyoming is in this group."
Ranked by Kiplinger's magazine as one of the best places in the nation to retire, based on tax burdens, and rated by AARP Magazine as the top place to "Reinvent Your Life," baby boomers see the Rocky Mountain region (including Wyoming) and its outdoor amenities as viable alternatives to the typical Florida or Arizona retirement scenes.
AARP Economist Clare Hushbeck and AARP Director of State Operations Lee White presented more than 20 years of AARP research on baby boomers. This next generation of retirees wants space and access to places where they can be active, both in a group and by themselves. They like to mountain bike, hike, ski and fish. Ranked at the top of their quality-of-life wish list is access to continuing education.
Workshop participants said they will incorporate the needs of boomers into their economic and community planning; many said they saw an emerging boom of retirees as an opportunity to reap from their wealth of experience and intellect in community building. Wilson said his city tapped into a wealth of knowledge when it consulted a retired city planner who had recently moved to Sheridan to work on revitalizing the city's downtown.
Cody Mayor Ken Stockwell said, "We've been looking at economic development and the needs of our communities, but not in terms of demographics. It's the focus we need to have."
Returning to their individual communities, participants promised to continue updating AARP Wyoming and were, in return, promised a full report on the workshop in early 2004.
For more information, please contact Joanne Bowlby at (307) 432-5802.
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