August 2025 - Trend Spotting - Suburbia
Aug 22, 2025
|
Trends We're Watching |
|
August 2025 FutureGood is a consultancy focused on helping visionary leaders build a better future. Through DEI consulting, strategic visioning, keynotes, retreats, and online learning, FutureGood helps thought leaders (like you!) to deploy futurism. |
|
We are watching so many interesting trends each month that we've decided to share them with our community. If you want us to look out for a specific subject, reach out and let us know! |
|
|
Suburbia |
|
|
The future is unfolding in the suburbs. Even before the pandemic, families were seeking affordability, safety, and space—and now, remote work and better infrastructure have accelerated this shift, making suburbia a hub for multigenerational and flexible living. |
|
What this could mean for the social sector: As people move to the edges of cities, the social sector must rethink where and how it shows up. To stay relevant, we need to serve multigenerational households, expand beyond urban centers, and invest in digital tools that reach dispersed communities. |
|
|
|
|
A 15-minute city is an urban planning concept where residents can access most of their daily needs and services within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their homes. Suburbs have the potential to become thriving 15-minute cities. |
|
What this could mean for the social sector: The social sector has a chance to create 15-minute cities by utilizing the size and location of the suburbs. This means advocating for equity in how these 15-minute cities are built by pushing for affordable housing, accessible services, and inclusive transit. The result would allow every resident, not just the privileged few, to thrive in these reimagined communities. |
|
|
Learn to spot trends relevant to your work |
|
If you want to learn more about futurism, including how to spot and make sense of these trends, you can! Sign up for our online learning program, FutureGood Studio, and empower yourself to be future-ready! |
|
|
|
|
The stereotypical homogenous suburb is a thing of the past. Today, suburbs are much more racially and generationally diverse, creating powerful opportunities for connection and belonging. |
|
What this could mean for the social sector: The social sector can lead by designing inclusive programs that celebrate this richness and help bridge cultural differences. The sector should invest in culturally responsive, multi-generational programming that reflects today’s suburbs. This is a critical opportunity to build trust, foster unity, and create spaces where all voices are seen and valued. |
|
|
|
|
More immigrant families are putting down roots in the suburbs, drawn by jobs, affordable housing, and established cultural communities. These neighborhoods are becoming vibrant, self-sustaining hubs where new Americans are building futures and shaping the character of suburban life. |
|
What this could mean for the social sector: The social sector must shift resources to support immigrant communities outside traditional urban hubs. This means funding programs that honor cultural identity, expand civic engagement, and strengthen local economies in suburban settings. |
