Mission
To advance stewardship of our resources while working with others to help make better decisions about how we grow.
We do this by
- Promoting and supporting collaborative efforts among communities and organizations
- Educating decision makers and citizens about the posiibilities for individual and collective action
- Building understanding and balancing of economic, environmental and social needs
- Providing tools, technical assistance and workshops to support these efforts
We value
- State policies and spending that direct development to already built areas
- Protection of the natural beauty, resources and habitats of our landscapes
- Social equity criteria used as cornerstones to policy and decision-making
- Reinvestment in urban areas and older suburbs
- Regional planning and solutions to quality of life issues
- A range of convenient and affordable transportation choices
- An adequate supply of safe, decent housing that people can afford
- The connection between a healthy environment, protected open space and a strong economy
- Clean water and planning that respects natural watersheds and "keeps water local"
- Public education and outreach to help plan and make informed decisions about the future
- Clear, transparent, and regionally consistent development approval processes
- Coordination and cooperation among all levels of government, planners and citizens
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Our Vision...
is that by working together to establish a strong and sustainable Forum, we can provide the education, networking opportunities, technical assistance, and leadership required to ensure that Essex County is a wonderful place to live, work and play well into the future.
Smart growth is well-planned, well-
managed growth that.... Read more
The Great Marsh, Ipswich and Essex
The beauty, natural resources, historic character and vibrancy of Essex County are in danger due to a low-density, large-lot, scattered pattern of development. This sprawling type of development drains jobs, resources and people from the urban centers and destroys wildlife habitat, farmland and open spaces. There is a better way!
"…the Essex County Forum is paving the way for local leaders in getting challenging local planning work accomplished."
Jennifer Maris Raitt, Housing Planner,
Metropolitan Area Planning Council
Route 1, Saugus
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