Metropolitan regions drive the U.S. economy, and their residents are among the nation's most valuable assets.  The Brookings Institution recently released analysis of racial and ethnic demographic shifts in the country’s top 100 metropolitan regions based on 2010 Census data.  Findings include that 98 percent of population growth in large metro areas between 2000 and 2010 is attributed to the non-white and Hispanic populations.  At the time of the 2010 Census, twenty-two of the region’s metro areas had “majority minority” populations, meaning that non-whites and Hispanics make up the majority of residents.  While metropolitan Chicago was not included in the 22, Brookings analyst William Frey believes our region will have a “majority minority” population before the next Census in 2020. 

These shifting demographics have many implications for regional planning.  In March and August, CMAP’s Policy Updates blog highlighted Latino population growth as a driving force of Chicago’s population growth, affecting employment, education, transportation, housing, and other quality-of-life issues.  These new residents often come with distinct needs and preferences in terms of housing types, education, and other services.   By recognizing and understanding these trends, our region and its communities can address the challenges and opportunities associated with the changing population.   

The Brookings analysis highlights the importance of planning for the education and workforce development needs for coming generations, which will continue to become more diverse, as well as other demographic trends in the video posted below.