Being fascinated with the economic and social changes created by digital technology, I've been a big fan of the Millennial generation. This is mostly because, having been born after the Internet, they are the first Connected Generation and partly because I like to counter the age-old urge to denigrate the next generation as a way to romanticize the past. Every generation has thought the next generation "wasn't up to snuff," (a biting critique of the Lost Generation made by their parents over a century ago). I also like the rise in charitable giving and minimalist living.

Now the Millennials, the largest generation in the U.S. workforce, "is starting to flex its economic and social muscle," according to #DailyRundown, "and their choices and priorities reflect a few differences from their predecessors, and a sobering understanding of their generation’s financial circumstances." Here's what they want:

• Quick and easy health care: The Kaiser Family Foundation found that 45% of 18 to 29-year-olds surveyed had no primary care provider, compared to 18% of 50 to 64-year-olds. Younger patients are less willing to wait days to see a doctor, opting for faster service clinics instead.
• A home they can call their own: 72% of Millennials consider homeownership a top priority, according to a Bank of America study, placing it above marriage and parenthood. But student debt, high rent, and the after effects of the financial crisis have kept many from taking the plunge. 
• A delayed, but stable, marriage: Younger Americans are marrying later in life, opting to wait until they have their careers and finances in order before getting hitched. That’s contributed to an 18% decline in the divorce rate between 2008 and 2016, according to Bloomberg.

I would add that they also want a more enlightened use of technology. Remember the iPad-saavy baby frustrated with a "broken" magazine she tried to pinch and zoom? Today's new leaders like accessibility, automation and analytics. I guess that's the new reading, writing and 'rithmatic.

In discussing emerging trends, Andy said that 300 arts events are occurring this month alone and that Colorado Springs is gaining a reputation for its growing arts focus. Having left a career in marketing and human resources to manage a successful fine arts and crafts business with his wife for ten years, he is very familiar with art shows, galleries and cultural trends around the country and believes that Colorado Springs is becoming a focus for arts and culture.

He pointed to the merger of the Fine Arts Center, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary next year, and Colorado College as building a strong financial foundation for this venerable institution, originally founded as the Broadmoor Arts Academy shortly after the turn of the 20th century. Also, the new Ent Center is a state-of-the-art (no pun intended!) facility that really helps solidify the city as an arts destination.

COPPeR is manages an annual budget of $500,000 that supports  four employees and promotes selected events. It sources some city funding as well as private donors and grants. COPPeR is not a membership based organization, so there are no membership fees and all services are free to the public.

Most local arts organizations were founded in the 1970s and 1980s and many are part of their city governments,  receive line-item funding. Art, however, "took a back seat" in Colorado Springs during that period according to Andy, so "we have some catching up to do. COPPeR, founded 12 years ago, is now in "high-growth mode."