Who are all the newcomers? People moving into Montana communities is nothing new, but the recent jump has drawn our attention to this decades long trend. A recent study by MSU researchers shows who is moving to Montana communities, where they are coming from and why they are moving here. Key findings from the research include how many are moving for a job, how many are returning, how many have kids and what do people do in a community once they get there. This study is a replication of the original “Brain Gain” research conducted by Ben Winchester of the University of Minnesota Extension Center for Community Vitality.
Presenter Bio: Tara Mastel is Program Lead for Community Vitality at MSU Extension where she works to support rural community vitality and local leaders. She served nearly ten years as a Community and Economic Development Extension Agent in Jefferson County Montana where she led a range of projects including historic building renovations, industrial park development, farmer’s markets and local community foundations. Tara grew up in Wolf Point and lives with her family in Red Lodge.
