Trend Category

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.

Trends to Act on Now

Building Digital Trust

As governments digitalize services and invest in smart technologies, low digital trust remains a challenge.

Digital Divide

The digital divide and resulting disparate access to information and services can be overcome by increasing access to high-speed internet...

Digitalization

The growing digitalization of all sectors, including planning, introduces vulnerability to the loss of digital data.

Transition from 5G to 6G

6G is expected to begin distribution in 2030, further increasing internet speeds and expanding connectivity.

Public-Sector AI Use

AI is becoming increasingly integrated into government sectors, potentially improving and reshaping the way public services are rendered and perceived.

Smart Cities

Smart city projects are on the rise, signaling a need for planners to stay informed and lead the way on...

Green Data Centers

As digital emissions rise, the push for net-zero-energy data centers is driving innovation in cooling and energy efficiency.

AI Regulations

While other countries have developed AI regulations to balance innovation and ethics, in the U.S. cities and states are taking...

Generative AI

Generative AI is rapidly expanding across multiple sectors, enabling content creation in various formats, though concerns are also growing about...

DELETE Technology and the Environment

Digital emissions areresponsiblefor up to 3.7 percent of global CO2 emissions. To help lower this, a focus has been placed...

DELETE AI and Infrastructure

The deployment of AI systems for urban infrastructure systems is growing. AI offers the potential to save a lot of...

Digital Public Spaces

Metaverse and virtual reality platforms are allowing users to engage in traditionally in-person experiences, from learning to shopping to entertainment,...

AI-Generated Misinformation

The rapid proliferation of generative AI content online is fueling the spread of misinformation.

Copyright Claims Against AI

A growing number of lawsuits allege that AI companies have used online content without permission.

Digital Twins

Virtual recreations of a space that incorporate real-time data are an emerging tool for planners.

Trends to Prepare For

Blockchain

Blockchain holds potential as a tool for record management, community engagement, transportation, and transparent governance.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is rebounding after a "crypto winter," prompting stricter global regulations while raising concerns.

Cities in the Metaverse

Despite fading hype, the metaverse continues to develop, with cities worldwide investing in its infrastructure for planning and economic growth.

Virtual Reality

The use of virtual reality (VR) is expanding for daily activities, mental health, and planning, requiring interdisciplinary expertise for effective...