The Town of St. George 2025 Comprehensive Plan is a document outlining how our town will guide growth, preserve its character, and strengthen resilience over the next decade. Over the next few weeks we will have a series of posts that highlights six major themes: land use and development; municipal services and infrastructure; natural resources and climate resilience; community engagement and governance; economy and workforce; and housing. This is part 5: Economy and Workforce.
The Economy & Workforce section of the St. George Comprehensive Plan 2025 presents a detailed look at the town’s changing economic landscape and its ties to regional markets, housing, and labor conditions. Historically grounded in fishing—especially lobstering—St. George’s economy now faces pressures from rising housing costs, an aging population, and a shortage of workers for traditional and service-based industries. The plan highlights the need to diversify the economy through support for small businesses, sustainable tourism, aquaculture, and creative industries while maintaining the town’s character. Workforce housing and childcare access are identified as top priorities to attract and retain young families and essential workers. The town also seeks to strengthen partnerships for workforce development, including technical education and digital access programs. Although economic trends are influenced by factors beyond local control, St. George aims to build resilience by fostering collaboration, investing in infrastructure, and balancing growth with environmental and cultural preservation.
If you'd like to read more specifically about Economy & Workforce in St. George, see page 170 (et.al.) of the plan.
This summary was produced with the help of AI, but reviewed by a member of the Comprehensive Planning Committee.