Q2: Joel Kotkin on the Future of the Suburbs
Joel Kotkin led off the second talk of Q Conference with some interesting stats about the future of the suburbs. Bottom line: They aren't going away. It is the growing edge of the population base of the world, and thus the opportunity for the church. Some thoughts from his talk…
- About 50% of foreigners migrate directly into the suburbs.
- Historically suburbs have been about young families, but this is changing and the suburbs are beginning to become multi-generational and multi-cultural.
- The future of suburbs might be described as a “multipolarity” – a balance of economics, environment and community.
- By 2030, about 20% of the population will be working from home. Most people will be willing to take a cut in pay in order to work from home.
- Communities are made up of 3 things: The sacred, the safe, and the busy.
- The churches that are growing of every kind (Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Christian) are happening in the suburbs.
Chilly...
Tim,
There’s no doubt that the burbs will continue to grow & provide great opportunities for community & faith.
However, I work in the inner-city and plan to continue to plant churches here (Detroit). To my knowledge, there really isn’t anyone out there with a viable plan for supporting and growing churches in our city centers. Over the last 5 years we have grown a thriving community of believers (beyond the soup kitchen/rescue mission). Many people (families) live in our cities but churches, much like businesses, during the ‘recession’ are moving out…
You’re such a creative thinker/leader – I guess I’m wanting to partner with people (like you) to see what we can do to raise awareness, finances, leaders and churches in our US cities.
Your thoughts??
Thanks man.