Communities need to understand where they fit within the integrated economic unit of the region. Population change drives future community needs. Communities that are experiencing quickly increasing population should not plan for zero growth. It is not realistic to think that such a trend can be completely halted. A community that plans for zero growth in such a situation will likely be left with inadequate capital facilities in the future.
Forecasting can help communities avoid making expensive and unnecessary investments.
Unfortunately, many communities make costly decisions about their futures without considering population or economic forecasts first. Plans need to reflect the needs of the community s existing and projected populations. Plans also need to reflect the employment needs and realities of existing and planned economic growth. Population forecasts are important to many parts of the planning process. Forecasts will be referred to repeatedly as the process moves forward.