The Town of Plymouth’s tradition of planning for its future dates back to colonial times. The original Mayflower Compact established a framework of community rules for self-governance. Modern planning efforts began in 1949 with the adoption of the Plymouth Compact of 1949–A Guidebook To Plymouth’s Future. This early master plan was followed by the Plymouth Compact as revised in 1961, the Plymouth Compact III–a 1966 comprehensive plan for Plymouth, the 1978 Goals for Plymouth, and the groundbreaking 1980 Village Centers Plan. The most recent comprehensive master plan was adopted in 2006. As the current master plan approaches its 20th year, it is essential to revisit Plymouth’s vision for the future and create a new master plan.

The Town is conducting this public planning effort with the tagline “Charting Our Future Together” to describe the collaborative process we are undertaking. This is the community’s plan. It will be built on input received from the public through in-person meetings, other events, and online engagement. And while we can do anything - we can't do everything. The goal is to create a balanced plan that reflects shared community goals and can be accomplished by the Town within its fiscal capacity and regulatory ability.

Municipalities are required by the Commonwealth to develop a master plan that provides policy guidance for long-range planning (MGL Chapter 41, Sect. 81D). Required topics include land use, housing, transportation, economic development, natural and cultural resources, open space and recreation, services and facilities, and an implementation plan.

The Master Plan Committee (MPC) is comprised of local leaders and community representatives, intended to represent diverse interests. The MPC oversees the planning process and will meet throughout the process to discuss topics. MPC meetings are working meetings for committee members, but are open to the public to observe.