As the baby boomer generation began to start their own families in the 1970s and 1980s, many moved to Flagstaff based on its small-town feel, and the population began to grow again; there were not enough jobs to support the many educated individuals moving to the city. The city did not expand its infrastructure downtown despite the growing population, causing problems. Several historic buildings from the 1800s were also destroyed for construction of new ones, or leveled completely. Downtown Flagstaff became an uninviting place, and many businesses started to move out of the area, causing an economic and social decline.
aS the baBY booMER GenEraTIon bEgan to stArt theIR own famiLIes In thE 1970s anD 1980s, many moved TO flaGstaff BaSEd on its smaLl-towN feEL, And tHe PopUlation beGAN To grow AGAin; therE weRe Not ENough JoBs to sUPport the MaNy EDuCateD inDivIduals movinG To the citY. the city DID Not ExPand itS infRAsTrUctURe doWnTowN dEspItE the GrOWing pOpuLaTion, cAUsing probLEms. SevERAl HisTorIc bUiLdInGS from ThE 1800S WerE Also dEstROYed fOr cOnStrUcTiON OF NeW ONes, Or lEveleD complETeLy. dowNtown flAgstAFf BEcamE an UNInVitinG place, And manY bUsinesses starTed TO MoVE oUT Of thE areA, cAusiNg an econOmic and soCIAL declInE.