Local Forecasts to 2050
Sub-regional population, household, and employment forecasts to 2050 for adoption
In 2023, Met Council's forecasting team published the regional total population and jobs forecasts. Following that, we use UrbanSim, a real estate market simulation model, to allocate forecasts to the local level.
In most of the region, the local forecasts are a “clean slate” look at the pattern of likely development. The logic of UrbanSim is the market sorting of real estate demand and creation of new supply in locations that are the most preferred and available. The main determinants of local forecasts are real estate dynamics, location characteristics and amenities, activity patterns and accessibility (travel within the region).
Local forecasts to 2050 were revised again between October and December 2024, with adjustments for some cities. This set of forecasts (for adoption) replaces all previous versions of local forecasts shared since 2023. Formal adoption by the Metropolitan Council is scheduled for February 2025.