Five insights helping communities rise to what 2026 demands
After reflecting on our work in 2025, one thing is clear: communities are planning in a very different environment than they were just a few years ago. For local leaders, it can feel like change is happening faster, expectations are higher, and resources are increasingly stretched.
That’s why we created a list of five considerations that are likely to shape effective planning in 2026:
1. Planning amidst continued uncertainty. Communities are making decisions today while navigating shifting economic conditions, development pressures, and evolving policy conversations. Rather than waiting for clarity, communities will benefit from planning that builds a foundation for decision-making and sets a vision that aligns leaders and residents.
2. Planning for vitality in rural communities. In rural communities, much of our planning work last year centered on significant moments of change. However, as these areas continue to face pressure from demands on economic development, workforce, infrastructure, and land use, there’s a greater urgency to start planning before transformational shifts emerge. Planning can help communities clarify priorities, strengthen coordination, and prepare for the future in ways that respect local character.
3. Helping high-expectation suburbs recalibrate. Suburban communities with strong expectations for quality of life are grappling with how to grow and reinvest at the same time. Planning in 2026 should address sprawl, aging infrastructure, and increasing demand for housing at multiple income levels while clearly defining what makes their community distinct.
4. Planning across boundaries. Housing markets, workforce patterns, transportation systems, and economic development do not stop at municipal boundaries. Multi-county planning efforts, regional coordination, and innovation district strategies will remain essential to aligning goals and making progress on shared challenges.
5. Treating planning as a practice, not a one-time exercise. The current environment requires plans that are usable, adaptable, and revisited regularly. Communities will benefit from planning processes that support implementation and build a meaningful framework for decision-making.
Looking ahead, there’s no question that planning will continue to play a significant role in a community’s ability to thrive. That’s why we are more committed than ever to being shoulder-to-shoulder partners with our clients, helping them navigate change, align around shared goals, and plan confidently for what comes next.
Image from the 2025 Hot Air Jubilee in Jackson, MI, where Planning NEXT is facilitating the Drive Jackson Vision Plan.
