New Frontiers that Change Everything

ICMA 10/9/07-Dr. Lowell Catlett “New Frontiers that Change Everything”
We have to “observe”, not just “see” changing events.
The world has changed from a “production world” (now excess production) to a “consumer world”.-Luxury items are considered normal.
CHANGES/TRENDS
-Population now wants “self-actualization” (in hierarchy of needs)
-No Retirement (re-engaging, not retiring)
-Living longer and healthier
-Fewer children, being replaced with entertainment, second houses etc.
-Fewer children, being replaced with pets, horses etc. Becoming much more important
-Convenience has become more important than cost-save time is more important
-“people afford what they want”-Price/cost doesn’t matter-they will afford
-IPOD etc. Listen when, where and what you want.
-22-30 year olds-find the place they want to live, then find a job
(Follow-up Workshop)
-Single Women (no significant other) purchasing homes-women at age 60 are 56-44 ratio
-As population ages, decisions made more on emotion than logic (will make a major different in communities)
-Over 50, more concerned with “leaving legacy” (what have done to improve the world etc.)-Good for volunteerism
-“Green has legs”
These trends indicate changes for cities. I feel these trends will spill over to city operations and will affect how cities decide on priorities-if cost is no object and convenience is the key, it will make a difference in how cities conduct business. Also, of course need to consider the changing demographics, the change in technology etc.
We will need to promote “human capital” and consider how to promote the integration of the diversity of groups into a “community”.