Hingham Launches Economic Development Plan to Boost Tax Base
Town aims to attract low-impact, high-value growth in key areas while preserving community character
HINGHAM, MA - September 30 - Hingham officials are developing an economic development strategic plan to encourage low-impact, high-value growth in key areas of town. The project, presented by Assistant Town Administrator Operations Art Robert, aims to diversify the town's tax base and address long-term financial challenges.
The initiative responds to findings from the 2022 Sustainable Budget Task Force, which determined that over the long term, expenses are growing faster than revenue in Hingham.
"Economic development was found to offer long-term high potential opportunity for new growth," Robert told the Select Board during a presentation September 30.
The plan will focus on three areas: Hingham Square, the Shipyard, and South Hingham. Robert emphasized that each area requires a different approach.
"No community can thrive on a one-size-fits-all approach," he said.
The town has hired Camoin Associates, a leading economic development consulting firm, to assist with the project. The $75,000 cost is supported by Hingham ARPA funds with contributions from the town of Rockland (abutting South Hingham) and private partnerships.
Community engagement is a key component of the plan. An open house is scheduled for Oct. 28 at South Elementary School from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Residents can drop in to speak with consultants and town staff about the project.
"We're focusing on residents for the open house," Robert said.
The town will also conduct an online survey for those unable to attend in person.
Business outreach includes a focused discussion with approximately 15 Hingham businesses and in-depth interviews with about 10 business leaders.
Town Administrator Tom Mayo underscored the importance of the project, citing the town's recent need for an operational tax override.
"If we want to maintain the level of services, again, that the public has become accustomed to and enjoys, we're going to have to find new revenue," Mayo said. "And this new revenue, the best option to get it is exactly what Art is pursuing right now."
The final report is expected to be presented to the Select Board in December.
In other business, Select Board Chair Joe Fisher announced plans to create a task force to study the potential for a "Hingham Greenway" to link the town's open spaces with state and trustee properties.
The project may also coordinate with neighboring towns Norwell and Cohasset. Fisher said he will work with the Town Administrator to establish the task force.
The Harbor Development Committee is working to celebrate the 2025 Independence Day with a 350-drone light show tentatively scheduled for July 2, 2025. The committee will make further announcements about private funding to support the event.
The Select Board also:
- Approved a common victualler license for Sweetgreen at 96 Derby St., Suite 330A.
- Issued a special one-day wine and malt beverages license to Untold Brewing for an event at Derby Street Shops on Oct. 25.
- Signed the warrant for the Nov. 5 state election.
- Authorized submission of Community Preservation Committee final applications for the Tranquility Grove project and pickleball courts at the Carlson complex.