Through a Scenario PlanningWorkshop and follow-up sessions, dozens of stakeholders and experts created five possible futures for Boston in the year 2030, which first appeared in the 2002-2004 Boston Indicators Report. Each one emphasizes real trends that could come to dominate Boston’s identity over time. In 2007 and 2008, Boston experienced many of these trends simultaneously, leaving its 2030 identity wide open.
A BOSTON THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE: Boston is a job-rich city with one of the most diverse populations in the US and a model of expanding opportunity for all. Boston’s Thrive in 5 initiative creates breakthroughs in early child development while public schools—global models of excellence—gradually level the playing field for Boston’s low-income children.With its focus on eliminating health disparities and increasing technology access, vibrant neighborhood business districts, “green” public housing renovations, active waterfront areas and revitalized cultural facilities, Boston is one of America’s most diverse, livable and dynamic cities.
BOUTIQUE BOSTON: Boston is an upscale college town, heritage theme park and active retirement community for the wealthy. Colleges and universities are in building-boom mode, developers are adding upscale hotel/condo complexes to the city’s skyline, while the Convention Center attracts record numbers of visitors and tourists who flock to the city’s major attractions and holiday celebrations. However, most young people and city workers are priced out and commute long distances, while the great majority of college students leave upon graduation.
BALKANIZED BOSTON: Boston is “a tale of two cities.” Highlighting the national trend of widening income inequality, some residents live in a dynamic, luxurious 24-hour global city while others are hunkered down and struggle to make ends meet in neighborhoods with high rates of poverty, rising youth violence and persistent health and educational disparities. Boston suffers periods of civil unrest that sap its economic and cultural vitality, and it enters into a long decline.
BUST AND BOOM BOSTON: Boston is one of the youngest cities in the nation and a global hub of innovation. The real estate market fell fast and hard, leaving homes and storefronts vacant but creating a foothold for those previously priced out of the market. As Baby Boomers retire to less expensive areas, Boston is becoming one of the nation’s most ethnically diverse and greenest cities, attracting artists, foreign-born students and innovators.With its engaged citizenry, public schools and colleges focused on global problem solving, Boston is known throughout the world for its breakthrough solutions.
BACK-OFFICE BOSTON: With declining numbers of Fortune 500 companies, Boston provides a quiet hub for the satellite offices and mini-headquarters of multinational corporations. Boston’s dense cluster of colleges and universities, research institutes, teaching hospitals, telecommunications capacity and cultural facilities attract new mini-headquarters and executive teams that can afford the high cost of living. However, as China, India and other emerging economies develop their own innovative capacity and high-skilled workforces, Boston’s edge as a hub of innovation dulls.