On Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 11:00 am CT, the Economic Mobility Project of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago hosted a virtual discussion on the intersections of skill development, geographic mobility, and urban living, centered on “Skills, migration, and urban amenities over the life cycle,” a study by Jason Faberman, senior economist at the Chicago Fed.

The event explored how individuals decide where to move based on their skill levels and life stage and how urban amenities, from job opportunities to lifestyle factors, play a key role in attracting talent at different stages of their careers and lives. Moderated by Sarah Holder, the panel of experts including Arthur Gailes, Angela Habr, and Hannah Love, examined the following questions.

• How do cities attract and retain skilled workers at different life stages?
• What role do local amenities and economic conditions play in these migration patterns?
• How do early-career choices shape long-term geographic and economic outcomes?

Crossing urban policy, workforce development, and regional planning, the conversation held implications for researchers, policymakers, and professionals focused on labor markets, human capital, and the ever-evolving role of cities in a post-pandemic economy.