The Millennial Dilemma

June 29, 2018 — Research

The Millennial Dilemma is a seminal study exploring the future of North American cities by forecasting where the Millennial generation will live and why.

Millennials have proven themselves to be a resilient generation, struggling to make the best choices for themselves and their families within the constraints forced upon them. In the wake of COVID-19, they are being tested like never before.

The Millennial Dilemma aims to decode some of these choices into their constituent variables so that readers of this report — public officials, policymakers, private actors, housing advocates, real estate professionals, entrepreneurs, and millennials themselves — might imagine a different America, one more responsive to their needs. We summarize current trends, explode myths about lifestyle preferences, and explore opportunities for policymakers to address severe deficits in housing, childcare, and transportation.

With the millennial generation representing 75 million people in the US alone, what impact could this trend have on the future of cities?

Led by NewCities Director of Applied Research, Greg Lindsay, the report explores trends in five focus cities — Columbus, OH, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Nashville, and Washington, D.C. — various market-driven responses, and policy recommendations for the next American administration.

Policy Recommendations:

  • 1. Expand and Protect Housing Supply
  • 2. Legalize Multi-Family Zoning
  • 3. Eliminate Parking Minimums
  • 4. Reinvest in Public Transit
  • 5. Provide Universal Child Care
  • 6. Provide Student Debt Relief
  • 7. Reimagine Parks as Urban Infrastructure
  • 8. Assist and Promote Urban Schools

 

Read the full report

 


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