A key aspect of what makes Westwood an attractive place to live and raise a family is the quality of services and history of sound, forward looking planning. Maintaining our AAA Bond rating is essential to our ability to borrow at low rate when financing infrastructure projects (roads, schools, municipal buildings). Continuing our tradition of thoughtful, long range planning will help ensure we can collectively project, prioritize, and plan for future needs.
 

University Station, Route 1, and the Islington center redevelopment projects have drawn new businesses that, in conjunction with our split commercial/residential tax rates, have provided vital resources for our schools and municipal infrastructure. As we look ahead, we need to continue development of healthy commercial ecosystems while maintaining the charm and desirability of our town.  

Our children and our schools are the foundation of our future.  Westwood's reputation in public education continues to be a significant draw for young families looking for a great place to raise their children. As we look ahead we must work collaboratively with the School Committee to effectively plan and support our schools in both their operations and facilities.  

A key theme in the Comprehensive Plan and Westwood's Housing Production Plan, our affordable housing inventory, fortunately currently exceeds the statutory threshold of 10%. Planning to ensure we continue to meet this level going forward will be important when considering new housing or mixed used development proposals.  Supporting the initiatives of Westwood Affordable Housing Authority (WAHA) is an important part of accomplishing this. 

It is important we continue to support our senior citizens through programming at the Council on Aging as well as with tax relief (tax work off program and aid to the elderly and infirm).

We, as a community, must remember that any tax increases for debt exclusions beyond Proposition 2 1/2 has a material impact on retirees living on fixed budgets. 

As another key theme of Westwood's recently completed Comprehensive Plan, we need to explore ways to balance development, maintain open space, and reduce our collective carbon footprint.

Adding alternative energy sources to any new municipal and/or school building projects will be vital in helping us achieve our renewable energy goals simultaneously helping mitigate financial risks of shocks to the oil and gas markets driven by geopolitical events. 

Maintaining, improving and expanding facilities that support youth activities are essential for the health and wellbeing of our children. Providing resources for Youth & Family services is critical to helping provide clinical and supportive services designed to foster the healthy growth of children.  This is especially critical in the wake of the recent pandemic.