APA Trend Universe
The Trend Universe is the place to find the key trends in planning identified by APA as part of its foresight practice, updated to reflect the accelerating pace of change of today and tomorrow. Here, you can find existing trends (act on them now), emerging trends (start preparing for them), and potential future trends (keep watching and learn more about them), all organized around eight general themes. APA's Trend Universe is developed with partners, experts, and practitioners as part of APA's Trend Scouting Foresight Community.
Climate Change, Energy, and the Environment
From the impacts of climate change to innovations in energy production and grid modernization, environmental trends are shaping both the built and natural environments.
Economic Development
Global and local shifts in the economy are changing the type of work that people do, impacting the built environment and our communities as well.
Housing
The ongoing housing crisis and efforts to address it point to the critical roles that planners can play today and in the future.
Politics and Geopolitical Dynamics
Political and geopolitical trends shape and are shaped by changes across the societal landscape, the acceleration of political polarization, and emerging global challenges.
Social Change
Social change is driving how we plan and structure our communities and is reflected in the practice of planning itself.
Technology
Digitalization and automation are manifesting in how and where people live, work, and play, changing how we build and manage our cities and communities.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Trends and shifts within the transportation and infrastructure sectors are changing how we get around, how we access critical services, and where we live and work.
Work and the Workplace
Technology and ongoing post-pandemic economic restructuring are changing how and where we work.
Trend Reports
