From MinnPost.com, Nov. 16, 2010:  

We feel the love for our towns — both here and around the country — because of softer issues, such as social offerings, openness to diverse groups, and the beauty of where we live. And when people care strongly about where they live, indications are that economic growth improves.

...

Nancy Homans, St. Paul's policy director, told MinnPost that the study "affirms a sense of what connects people to St. Paul" and helps leaders understand "what leads residents to invest in their homes and remodel their kitchens and bathrooms," rather than moving away.

"It's not always easy to put a finger on exactly what creates those connections, but that sense is one of the reasons why our strategic plans includes a section on the soul of St. Paul."

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman added: "What we've known anecdotally now has data to back it up. A city has to be liveable. People can go anywhere in the world to live, so you want your city to be unique and have assets other places don't have. It's nice to affirm that by focusing on these issues, we're actually doing the right thing for business, too."

...
 

More on MinnPost.com: 
http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2010/11/15/23400/study_finds_twin_cities_and_duluth_residents_love_their_cities_for_social_offerings_openness_aesthetics

Note: MinnPost is partially funded by Knight Foundation