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2023-2028 Essex Strategic Plan

Posted on
January 25th at 1:28pm.

Essex has released its five-year Strategic Plan which was developed to help establish the town’s priorities through 2018. Please see the ten goals chosen to “build on Essex’s strengths and address the challenges it faces now and will confront in coming years”:

  1. Update and Finance Critical Town Infrastructure
  2. Emergency Services - Maintain the Town’s Call Fire Department and Improve the Town’s Emergency Response to Vulnerable Populations
  3. Maintain and Further Develop a Strong Business Community
  4. Ensure the Continued Protection and Management of Conservation Land, Open Space, and Historic Places in Essex; Improve the Health of, and Access to, Water Resources and Protected Lands
  5. Expand the Range of Recreational Opportunities and Assets
  6. Promote Fiscally-Responsible Government
  7. Meet the Housing Needs of all Essex Residents Through Community Housing Initiatives and Regulation of Short-Term Rental Units
    1. Develop a housing plan that includes five- and ten-year goals, helping Essex meet its affordable housing goals
    2. Manage and guide the development of affordable housing
    3. Study the prevalence, regulation, and appropriate taxation of short-term rental units
  8. Build Coastal Resilience
  9. Maintain the Excellence of our Schools
  10. Review and Update Essex’s Current Single District Zoning Bylaw by Preparing and Implementing a Comprehensive Residential and Commercial Zoning Plan

While the Strategic Plan’s development is now complete, the town is open to making changes and welcomes feedback from residents. To provide feedback, please send an email to essexstratplan@essexma.org.