
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
As a public servant, I believe it's my responsibility to always look ahead and explore opportunities for Winthrop's future growth and prosperity. However, I also believe that growth must be thoughtfully managed. As a town, we must retain full control over how development unfolds—ensuring it aligns with our values, respects our history, and maintains the character of our neighborhoods. We must be mindful of our neighbors, protective of our roots, and deliberate in how we shape our future.
While Winthrop’s population has remained relatively stable over the past 50 years, our demographics have shifted significantly. The average household size has decreased from 2.3 in 2000 to 2.2 today, with projections indicating a further drop to 2.1 by 2030. Only 22% of households now include families with children, while single-person households have grown to 34%. Additionally, as the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, households led by residents over 60 are expected to rise from 36% to 49% of all households.
Our goal is clear: to responsibly increase revenue while preserving Winthrop’s small-town charm. Over the past 15 years, we've made significant progress by updating our zoning strategies and establishing key districts, including the Waterfront District and the Center Business District. We’ve proactively created opportunities that enhance revenue, but our work is far from finished.