NPC 2026 Session: The 2026 Trend Report: Emerging Trends and Signals

This session will be presented by American Planning Association at the American Planning Association’s National Planning Conference.

We live in a world characterized by accelerating change and increased uncertainty. Planners are tasked with helping their communities navigate these changes and provide guidance on preparing for an uncertain future. However, conventional planning practices often fail to adequately consider the future, even while planning for it. Most plans reflect past data and current assumptions but do not account for emerging trends on the horizon.

To create resilient and equitable plans for the future, planners need to incorporate foresight into their work. This presentation outlines emerging trends that will be vital for planners to consider and introduces strategies for making sense of the future while practicing foresight in community planning. By embracing foresight, planners can effectively guide change, foster more sustainable and equitable outcomes, and position themselves as critical contributors to thriving communities. The practice of foresight is imperative for equipping communities for what lies ahead.