At the recent Data Council event, several key trends emerged in the data industry, notably the necessity of real-time capabilities, the shift to code-first declarative architectures, the rise of Python as the standard programming interface, and the demand for a modern yet simple data stack. Real-time interactivity, exemplified by MotherDuck's "Instant SQL," is becoming essential due to AI-driven applications and heightened user expectations. Declarative architectures, like those used by Rill, are replacing manual workflows, enhancing maintainability and version control. Python continues to be favored for its robust ecosystem, as seen with tools such as Bauplan, which supports seamless and reproducible data workflows. The industry is also moving towards a simplified data stack, with open-source projects like Iceberg and DuckDB promoting interoperability while striving to reduce complexity, as demonstrated by Crunchy Data's Iceberg extension for Postgres. Ultimately, the event highlighted the importance of community and collaboration in shaping the future of data, underscoring the shared belief that the future belongs to builders who prioritize simplicity, speed, and developer empathy.