N.H. Committee Tasked With Attracting, Retaining Millennials

A millennial advisory committee unveiled by Gov. Chris Sununu on Thursday is drawing the support of business groups, which praised the initiative as a step toward attracting and retaining the state’s youth.

The Millennial Advisory Council, a 25-member body created by Sununu, a Republican, to devise policy recommendations geared toward younger populations, will have its first meeting on Wednesday, according to a spokesman.

Members must be “millennials,” born between 1980 and 2000, according to an executive order on Thursday. The members, all of whom will be appointed by the governor, will consist of representation from all 10 New Hampshire counties, including additional representatives for Manchester and Nashua.

The group, which will meet monthly, is tasked with producing an initial report by Dec. 1. Among its focuses: workplace retention and low representation of under 40-year-olds in the Legislature and local politics.

“We have to ensure that New Hampshire remains the best place to live, work and raise a family for all Granite Staters,” Sununu said in a statement.

Chambers of commerce were quick to sign on.

Mike Skelton, president and CEO of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, praised the idea behind the council, calling the millennial generation a central pillar of New Hampshire’s largest city.

“I think the impact of young professionals and millennials cannot be understated,” he said. “If you look at our business base, we are a hub of technology and innovation, and many of the workers that are filling those jobs are young people — are millennials — and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.”

Skelton listed housing affordability, transportation and student debt as among the key areas he hopes the council will address.

And he said that overall, exposing the Legislature to a younger perspective could be a boon to future policy decisions.

Those interested in applying for a position on the council can email a resume and cover letter to governorsununu@nh.gov.