Strategic Planning

Selectboard Values

Adopted by Selectboard May 20, 2024; Amended June 9, 2025

Accountability

Local government is transparent, predictable, and focused on the community's best interests. Town officials say what they will do and then do it. Information is readily available, and officials are responsive to any questions or concerns in a timely manner.

Cohesiveness and Connectivity*

People are able to get from here to there in Essex, by any number of multimodal transportation options. The Town is united, with connections between people and things, and events bringing people together. As a whole, Essex is a vibrant community, a joy to live in, and a desirable place to do business.

Fiscal Responsibility and Sustainability

The Town budgets responsibly, and plans for the future through its capital projects. Municipal assets, including vehicles, are maintained and replaced in a cost-effective manner.

Inclusivity and Safety

Essex identifies as community-oriented, welcoming, safe, and respectful. Housing should be available for those who want it.

Thoughtful Growth**

Essex is environmentally-conscious and supports sustainable, predictable development patterns that balance the need and willingness to grow with the protection and preservation of open space and natural resources. Land use changes consider the potential for increased costs of staff, equipment, and more.

*Town Plan (2024) goal
**Heart & Soul of Essex goal

Selectboard Long-term Goals

Adopted by Selectboard May 20, 2024; Amended June 9, 2025

Ensure the full spectrum of Essex's capital needs are understood and fully funded, with an exploration of all possible funding mechanisms.

Relevant Selectboard Values: Cohesiveness and Connectivity; Fiscal Responsibility and sustainability; Thoughtful Growth

Improve awareness of community events, encourage volunteer participation in those events, and evaluate the variety of events that are held.

Relevant Selectboard Values: Cohesiveness and Connectivity; Inclusivity and Safety

Review guiding documents, policies, and standards to reflect the needs of the community, and update accordingly. Review relevant and important policies annually.

Relevant Selectboard Values: Accountability

Continually improve access to and accessibility of information and documents.

Relevant Selectboard Values: Accountability; Inclusivity and Safety

Make improvements in multimodal transportation options and street connectivity throughout Essex.

Relevant Selectboard Values: Cohesiveness and Connectivity; Fiscal Responsibility and Sustainability; Thoughtful Growth

See that progress is made toward the community's vision and will for construction of a new municipal complex.

Relevant Selectboard Values: Cohesiveness and Connectivity; Inclusivity and Safety; Thoughtful Growth

Consider non-property-tax revenue sources and update in the best interest of the community.

Relevant Selectboard Values: Fiscal Responsibility and Sustainability

Be aware of and responsive to the impact of wrongdoing and opioids in the community.

Relevant Selectboard Values: Inclusivity and Safety

Ensure long-term support of high-quality public safety.