Opinion: Convincing 20-somethings and 30-somethings to stay in, or move to, Iowa

The non-partisan Common Sense Institute Iowa (CSI) recently issued a report on our state’s worsening “brain drain.” The data are alarming.

In 2024, among the 50 states, Iowa had the seventh highest (fourth when adjusted for population) cumulative net outmigration of bachelor’s degree holders aged 25 to 29. It was the highest of any Midwestern state.

CSI warns that this trend will result in many billions of lost GDP and cumulative personal income, “weakening the state’s long-term fiscal health” and “reshaping Iowa’s labor market and threatening the state’s long-term economic competitiveness.”

Employers, and frankly anyone concerned about growth in our state, should ask public officials how they are equipping Iowa to compete for talent. The question to ask them is simple: “What are you doing to convince 20-somethings and 30-somethings to stay in, or move to, Iowa?”

In my judgment, at least three factors contribute to brain drain. The first is education. Our legislature continues to undermine public schools with below-inflation funding increases, the diversion of a billion dollars over four years to private schools (with most of the money going to families already attending those schools), and senseless attacks on educators. As a result, dozens of school districts face cuts, and even less fortunate districts are consolidating or dissolving. Compounding this is the drop in AEA funding, which disproportionately hurts rural districts. Our state quarter reads “Foundation In Education,” but many young people and families will avoid places where education is under-resourced and underappreciated.

The second is how we treat our natural environment. Young people and families want outdoor recreation. According to a recent state report filed with the EPA, 93 percent of assessed rivers and streams in Iowa (4th worst in the nation) and 83 percent of assessed lakes in Iowa (3rd worst in the nation) were impaired for swimming and recreation. This month 17 public beaches made the DNR’s no-swim list. The connection between water quality and health outcomes is undeniable. Iowa has the second highest, and fastest growing, cancer rate in America. Young people and families appreciate environmental issues probably better than any other generation. Many will not choose a state that ignores pollution.

The third is our government-led culture war. For almost a decade now, the legislature has pursued a social agenda widely recognized as among the most extreme in the country. Bathroom bills, book bans, the rolling back of civil rights – is this what recent college graduates say they want? Do business leaders say this helps them attract a skilled workforce? For many young people, such laws are ugly and a reason to leave.

As a fifth generation Iowan, I chose to come home after spending my twenties out of state. My wife and I have three teenagers who will someday face their own decision. If Iowa wants to attract young people and families, it has to fight for them. Employers and business groups should be alarmed by the CSI report. They should demand answers from public officials.

College graduates have options. Let’s make Iowa a more attractive one.

Matt Hayek

Former Mayor of Iowa City