The 2025 Trend Report for Planners Helps Navigate Change and Prepare for an Uncertain Future

CHICAGO (January 29, 2025) — Get insights into the more than 100 trends that could have big impacts on communities in the 2025 Trend Report for Planners, released today from the American Planning Association (APA). The fourth edition provides insights into the potential changes and shifts that may affect how communities function and operate in the future.

Access the 2025 Trend Report for Planners

The report groups trends into three timeframes indicating the urgency of planners' actions: act now, prepare, and learn and watch. This year's report explores trends such as the evolving concept of "family" and its impact on housing; emerging threats to water supplies; cities achieving "pet-friendly" certifications; the "silver wave" of retirements; how fungi may save us all; and human settlements on Mars, among others.

"The world is in constant flux," said Petra Hurtado, PhD, APA's chief foresight and knowledge officer. "It is important for planners to understand the potential impacts of emerging trends to help their communities prepare for an uncertain future and craft resilient and agile plans."

The annual trend report is part of APA's foresight practice, understanding the drivers of change that are outside of our control, how we can prepare for them, and when it is time to act. Foresight does not predict the future — instead, it helps planners imagine multiple plausible futures to prepare for the unexpected and lead the way in shaping a better future for all.

The trends are identified by the APA Trend Scouting Foresight Community, a diverse group of more than 40 thought leaders ranging from executives to students, including planners, anthropologists, sociologists, psychologists, public health professionals, architects, engineers, and others.

The 2025 Trend Report for Planners is created in partnership with the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.

About the American Planning Association

The American Planning Association is an independent, not-for-profit educational organization that provides vital leadership in creating great communities for all. APA and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, are dedicated to advancing the profession of planning, offering better choices for where and how people work and live. APA's nearly 40,000 members work in concert with community residents, civic leaders, and business interests to create communities that enrich people's lives. Connect with APA on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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Contact: Roberta Rewers, APA, 312.786.6395; rrewers@planning.org