Five Major Social Trends Reshaping our Future (according to John Martin, CEO of Southeastern Institute of Research (SIR)

1. Increasing population

a. U.S. Population today is at 307 million. By 2030, the population will be 400 million.
b. VA Population is 8.0 Million. By 2030, the population will be 9.8 million.
c. Tyson's corner vs. Manhattan. Today Tyson's corner in Northern VA comprises 25 million SF of building footprint. By 2030, it is anticipated that Tyson's corner will grow to over 100 million Sq Ft. Manhattan currently has 200 Million Sq Ft. In less than 20 years Tyson's corner will be have the size of Manhattan!

2. Expanding Community Footprints

a. There is a shift back to Urban Living. Family style apartment living is the future.
b. Areas surrounding Richmond are expected to boom in residential and retail development.

3. More People and more diversity

a. The majority will become the minority.
b. White population growth is at 10% while non-white population growth is at 50%.
c. As a result, the overall population will become more diverse. Richmond will become the new "mixing bowl" of diversity.
d. In 1990, 76% of the population was white caucasian. By 2050, the percentage of white caucasians will be 48%.

4. Graying of the Population

a. On January 1, 2011, the first baby boomer turned 65!
b. In the United States, 10,000 boomers turn 65 each day!
c. For Richmond - In 2000, 10% of the population was 65. In 2010, 13% of the population was 65. By 2020, the percentage will be 16% and 19% by 2030.
d. Today 18% of the population is Florida is 65. If you want to see Richmond's future, go to Florida today and have a look around.

5. Shifting Households

a. Fewer Kids/household. Silent Generation produced 4 kids/household while Boomers had only 2 kids/household.
b. Households are becoming more multigenerational where the Parents are hosting grandparents and children.
c. 20% of young adults (25-34) currently live with their parents.
d. Currently, 1/3 of America is being run by single heads of households.