Trend Category

Social Change

Social change is driving how we plan and structure our communities and is reflected in the practice of planning itself.

Trends to Act on Now

Youth in Climate Action

Planners should collaborate with younger generations, given their potential power to address issues such as climate change.

Surveillance Spread

The use of video surveillance and facial recognition tools is on the rise, along with the increasing use of AI-driven...

Societal Polarization

Societal polarization and the accompanying erosion of social cohesion are affecting communities, civic engagement, and social interactions.

Social Media Toxicity

Social media is contributing to a trend of worsening mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, body image concerns, and social...

Silent Mental Health Crisis

The world is facing a “silent” mental health crisis led by stressors from the recent pandemic, climate change, loneliness, and...

Shifting Definitions of Family

The traditional concept of “family” is shifting as people are having fewer children, if any, and households increasingly comprise varied...

Public Space Evolution

Public places, such as parks, transit, and libraries, are seeing new user behaviors that are affecting how they operate.

Place-Based Social Networking

Social networking is seeing an uptick in place-based platforms encouraging neighbors to communicate virtually.

Inclusive Design

Inclusive design, which seeks to create environments that are widely accessible, is an emerging consideration for planners.

Gun Violence

In the U.S., gun violence has become a public health crisis, but a comprehensive approach of programs, policies, and strategies...

Growing Number of Pets

The U.S. now has more households with pets than with children.

Generational Wealth Gaps

In the U.S., differences in wealth between the youngest and oldest generations are growing.

Gender-Inclusive Planning

Planners should be aware of the range of gender-related issues and the implications for inclusivity, equity, and safety in their...

Falling Birth Rates

Declining birth rates, exacerbated in the U.S. by a lack of social support systems for the young and old, have...

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Awareness

The U.S. is becoming more diverse, requiring planners to create inclusive communities despite political shifts.

Digital Solutions for Safety Concerns

Younger generations are increasingly sharing their location with others to feel safer, but these technologies can pose significant risks if...

Dementia-Friendly Communities

As the number of people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease rises, planners should consider adapting built environments for those experiencing...

Decolonizing the Future

Decolonizing the future questions the continuation of past and present systems, envisions multiple futures, and plans for those who will...

Community Influencers

Social media influencers can help drive traffic to local businesses, engage youth in planning initiatives, and bring awareness to social...

Bots and Public Discourse

Social media bots pose increasing threats of reinforcing biases and manipulating public discourse.

Assistive Tech

Tech innovations provide solutions to the various daily barriers faced by individuals with disabilities.

Aging Populations

The number of U.S. adults over 65 is expected to reach more than 80 million by 2050, but few cities...

Trends to Prepare For

Universal Basic Income Programs

Universal basic income (UBI) is a politically contentious issue that has demonstrated its value when piloted on small scales.

Social Scoring Systems

Social scoring systems are influencing decision-making in areas ranging from loan eligibility to immigration and college admissions.

Regulation of Youth Smart Phone Usage

Nationwide, smartphone and social media access restrictions for youth are growing.

Intensifying Health Risks

Both communicable disease outbreaks and chronic disease afflictions of younger populations are on the rise.

Increasing Travel and Mass-Tourism Pushback

The number of travelers is growing post-pandemic, leading to tensions in some areas between tourists and locals.

Human Rights in the Digital World

The growing integration of digital technologies into daily life is giving rise to growing privacy concerns.

DIY Medicine

Policy, staffing shortages, and facility closures are making access to health care increasingly difficult, giving rise to DIY medicine.

Digital Fatigue

The desire to minimize excessive smartphone use is a growing trend across generations.

Trends to Learn About and Watch

Life Extension and Reverse Aging

Life extension efforts, from gene manipulation to exercise, diet, and other lifestyle changes to reverse aging, are gaining in popularity.

Trend Reports

APA's foresight research is made possible in part through our partnership with the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.

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