TYPros was founded as Tulsa’s Young Professionals in 2005 in response to the region’s “brain drain” of new graduates and young professionals moving to other cities and states. The organization is a key component of the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s economic development plan, Tulsa’s Future. The competition for young talent is pressing. The population overall is aging, and there is a decrease in the tax base. Young talent is the lifeblood of a community, and retaining that talent is critical. We didn’t want to continue to lose our dynamic young people to San Francisco or Boston or other cities. Young professionals’ voices must be heard in community decision making or the risk of losing them grows. Livability and amenities are key to retention, and younger adults want input when it comes to recreation, walkability, bikeability, culture and arts.