H2O-50 is Watertown’s community-driven strategic action plan to guide the city’s growth and development through 2050. Built on feedback from thousands of residents, it prioritizes people over projects—focusing on quality of life, housing, workforce, recreation, and collaboration. The plan builds on the momentum of H2O-20 and was shaped by deep local input, extensive research, and a shared desire to make Watertown even better for the next generation
Watertown is proud of where it’s been—and clear on where it wants to go. Here’s what stood out:
Strong quality of life: safe, friendly, and family-focused
Outstanding recreation: lakes, trails, and indoor amenities are top strengths
LATC is a major asset: central to workforce development and future growth
Housing is tight—especially for first-time buyers and working families
Child care gaps are limiting workforce participation and family stability
Young professionals want more to do—dining, entertainment, and connection
Communication needs improvement—more clarity, coordination, and outreach
Dig into the details →
This plan is more than a list of projects—it’s a shared vision for the kind of Watertown we want to build together. These four focus areas didn’t come from a single meeting or one report—they surfaced repeatedly across community surveys, focus groups, interviews, and comparative data.
What makes them stand out?
They’re deeply interconnected, widely supported, and tied to Watertown’s ability to grow, retain talent, and support families. Each area reflects both what residents are experiencing today and what’s needed for the future.
These aren’t easy fixes—but they’re the right places to start.
• Increase affordable and workforce housing
• Support infill and redevelopment
• Diversify housing types
• Address student housing needs
• Enhance use of existing spaces
• Create new indoor recreation for families
• Improve lakes access and programming
• Expand trails and park amenities
• Strengthen education-to-career pathways
• Expand childcare options
• Retain LATC students and young talent
• Support local training institutions
• Strengthen communication and collaboration
• Improve access to social services
• Promote inclusive leadership
• Build shared community pride
These four focus areas aren’t just goals—they’re launch points. Each includes detailed strategies, real-world examples, and clear next steps to guide progress across public, private, and nonprofit partners. The full plan lays out how Watertown can grow smarter, support its people, and turn ideas into action.
The H2O-50 Strategic Action Plan doesn’t end with ideas—it’s built for action. Over the coming months and years, partners across the community will work together to turn these priorities into progress.
Implementation will include:
Watertown’s future isn’t being left to chance—it’s being shaped by everyone who calls it home.
Whether you’re a parent, a business owner, a student, or someone who simply loves Watertown, there’s a place for you in this vision. Community progress depends on shared leadership, creative thinking, and open hearts. Let’s keep building—together.
Amplify your impact by partnering with the Watertown Area Community Foundation. Together we will make life better today and shape a brighter tomorrow for the Watertown area.
