Fewer towns would see drastic population increases that destabilize municipal finances, or massive commercial developments that erode community character. In only 10 towns would the number of housing units increase by more than 25% over 30 years, and in no municipality would the number of housing units increase by more than 60%. In the region’s 50 fastest-growing towns (if Current Trends continue), housing unit growth rates would be 12% less under MetroFuture. Compact new growth near town centers would bring customers and vitality to historic business districts, helping locally owned businesses to thrive.

If Current Trends continue, the number of housing units would grow by more than 40% in 15 municipalities, and by more than 60% in 7 towns.

Objectives:

• In no municipality will the number of housing units grow by more than 60% from 2000 - 2030.
• The acreage of land in commercial uses will grow only 7% regionwide.
• Small, locally owned businesses will capture an increasing share of the region’s retail and service spending.