Background

A farmer bales hay with a tractor in a large hayfield.

Why plan now?

It is anticipated that communities like Montague could see population increase and more development pressure over the next few decades. The Five Villages: One Future comprehensive plan can prepare our community for how population, employment, housing options, and development patterns may change. The following is an overview of what is going on in Montague now.

Population projections from 2018 show Montague’s population declining slightly over the next two decades. As the last few years have shown, however, climate, the economy, and other large events can change migration and demographics in ways we don’t expect. Since the pandemic, people have moved to rural parts of Franklin County at a faster rate than in the past. How can we plan for future population changes?

A vertical bar graph shows population increased dramatically between 1870 and 1930, and has remained relatively stable around 8,000 since 1930. Bars symbolizing projections for 2030 and 2040 show no significant change.

Population projections show the share of residents 65 and older increasing over the next 20 years. What are we doing to anticipate the needs of our senior residents?

Vertical bar graph showing that the share of residents 65 and older may increase rom 23% to 35% from 2020 to 2040.

Montague is more diverse than many surrounding towns and has the 6th lowest median household income in the county. How are we thinking about the needs of the whole community when it comes to housing, community resources, jobs, climate vulnerability and more?

Pie chart of racial composition of residents with 91% White, 5% Latinx, and 1% or less of each of the following: Black, American Indian and Alaska Native, Asian, Some other race.
A horizontal bar graph of income distribution of residents with approximately 25% of residents with  less than $50,000 household income and over 40% of residents with household incomes of $100,000 or greater.

With nearly 40% of Montague households as rentals and over half of renters cost-burdened by their housing (paying more than 30% of their income on housing costs), how can we more equitably meet the need for housing in Montague?

Pie graph showing that 39% of housing units are occupied by renters and 61% by homeowners.
Stacked bar graph showing the percentages of homeowners and renters cost burdened or not cost burdened by housing. 48% of renters are cost burdened by housing compared to 26% of homeowners.

39% of land in Montague is permanently protected and 22% is under limited or temporary protection status. How can we balance the use of our land for housing, sustainable development, protection of natural and recreational resources, preservation of the farming economy, and climate resilience?

Pie graph of protected land, with 39% permanently protected, 7% under limited protection, 15% temporarily protected, and 39% unprotected.