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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
