The New Political Map of the United States

A new book published by the Pew Research Center details the demographic changes that will shape the politics—beyond presidential elections—of the future.

1 minute read

January 29, 2016, 12:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


2008 Presidential Election

Spitfire19 / Wikimedia Commons

Writing for the Pew Research Center, Paul Taylor provides a preview of his book, The Next America: Boomers, Millennials, and the Looming Generational Showdown, released this week in paperback.

The post includes eight key takeaways from the first chapter of the book—though each point is relevant to the politics of planning and land use. Abridged versions of a few of the more revealing of the eight takeaways, with more detail found in the article, follow:

  • Americans are increasingly sorted into think-alike communities that reflect not only their politics but their demographics.
  • The cleavages between the political tribes spill beyond politics into everyday life.
  • The public remains in a foul mood, frustrated by stagnant incomes, a shrinking middle class and gruesome global terrorism.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016 in Pew Research Center

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of Shirley Chisholm Village four-story housing development with person biking in front.

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning

SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

June 8, 2025 - Fast Company

Yellow single-seat Japanese electric vehicle drivign down road.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs

The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

June 6, 2025 - PC Magazine

White Waymo autonomous car driving fast down city street with blurred background at night.

Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars

Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.

June 16 - Smart Cities Dive

Two small wooden one-story homes in Florida with floodwaters at their doors.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?

With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

June 16 - Governing

People riding bicycles on separated bike trail.

With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike

For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.

June 16 - UNM News