The millennial generation: A demographic bridge to America’s diverse future

At over 75 million strong, millennials now eclipse the current size of the postwar baby boom generation as the nation’s largest – making up 30 percent of the voting age population and almost two-fifths of the working age population. Most notably, however, the millennial generation, now 44 percent minority, is the most diverse generation in American history. Consequently, millennials affect important dynamics that influence housing markets, educational institutions, tax bases, and labor forces, which have significant implications on local economies, income inequality, and racial and social inclusion.

On Tuesday, January 30, the Metropolitan Policy Program hosted an event featuring the newly released work of “Diversity Explosion” author William H. Frey, entitled “The millennial generation: A demographic bridge to America’s diverse future.” Following Frey’s keynote presentation, a panel discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the millennial generation, and how systems need to adapt accordingly. Panelists included Jasmine Hicks from Young Invincibles, a national organization aimed at amplifying young voices in national discussions on health care, higher education, and economic security; Dr. Mildred Garcia, president of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and first Latina president in the largest system of public higher education in the country in CSU Fullerton; and Minnesota State Representative Ilhan Omar, the first Somali-American Muslim legislator elected to office in the United States.

After the panel discussion, speakers took questions from the audience.