Tucker's Future: A Changing Community Landscape

What will Tucker look like in 10 years? 20 years? While no one can predict the future one thing is certain, Tucker will change. The 2010 Census highlights some interesting trends that may be important for the ongoing civic discussions. From reviewing these data I see a Tucker that is growing, sustaining a common population curve, and becoming more diverse.

The population by age and race show a similar curve between 2000 and 2010. Something I find interesting is that the population curve does not drop as rapidly from the peak 35-39 age range in 2010 as compared to 2000. The population data also shows two bubbles, 30-55 and 75 and above. Overall there is a net decrease in caucasian and asian residents with significant growth in the 75 and above age range while all other races are experiencing a net growth as a percentage of the Tucker population.

The population curve suggest that Tucker is a dynamic community that people generally move to in their 30s and their 70s. I assume these trends are due to Tucker being an attractive place to raise a family and to retire. The population curve in 2010 suggest a population that is moving to Tucker and staying longer, and the population data by age and race clearly show a community that is becoming more diverse.

While I can't speak for what attracted people to Tucker 20 years ago, I can speak to what people might look for in the next 20. People still consider Tucker as a good place to raise a family, therefore schools remain a number one priority. These new homeowners are also members of a new generation of workers who put a premium on a community that offers a place to live, work and play. Tucker also appears to be an attractive community for retired citizens, however I assume these may be for different reasons. So what does this mean for our community?

What this means is that we need to focus our discussions on who we are and how we will meet the needs of everyone in an increasingly diverse community. It may be useful for a community discussion on where we came from, where we are, and determine where we want to go before we try to figure out the best way to get there. In other words we should plan for what is inevitable based on relevant evidence and take appropriate actions. Just taking a position in the absence of evidence and action leaves a community vulnerable to being acted upon. That is rarely in the best interest of the community at large.

Thank you for reading. What do you think?