Locals discuss how to keep people here

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Just about everyone in western New York knows a friend or relative who has felt the pain of raising their children here, only to have them to re-locate to other cities.

Some young professionals are trying to change that.

This is not your typical happy hour. A group called the Great Lakes Urban Exchange sponsored a forum on what it would take to keep young people in western New York. People wrote down their ideas that ran the gambit, including better-paying jobs and lower taxes.

Michele Monfaletto said, "I find it really hard because I left Buffalo and came back to seek employment in a professional capacity here. I have over 12 years in professional experience in sales and business development, but it's hard to find a good job.

But it's not just better paying jobs and lower taxes that these young professionals want. They also want to improve the queen city.

Many like the progress on the waterfront, but others say we need better transportation.

Lizz Schumer said, "Basically because the subway goes up and down Main Street you can get from UB to downtown, but nowhere else. I live in Hamburg. I need to drive to work everyday. That's a problem."

Long-time Buffalo booster, Chris Jacobs, who's also a developer and school board member, wanted to hear what these people are thinking.

All the recommendations are being compiled and will be handed over to elected officials in local and state governments.