Since the incorporation of the first Massachusetts community in 1620, each community's unique character has evolved as a result of development and changes in land use.

The Community Preservation Initiative was created to promote smart land use and preserve and enhance the quality of life in communities across the Commonwealth.

The Initiative's first project was to complete a buildout analysis for each of the 351 cities and towns-a two-year, $3 million endeavor undertaken in partnership with the state's planning agencies. The buildouts show maximum development possible in a given community and allow community officials and residents to see what their future may look like based on current local zoning.

This project represents the first time buildout maps and analyses have been completed for an entire state using a standard methodology. This book celebrates the completion of the buildout project and the release of the buildouts on Environmental Affairs' Community Preservation website. The Buildout Book provides a history of growth in Massachusetts, an explanation of the Community Preservation Initiative and a summary of the buildout project. It also provides a detailed look at a community buildout map and analysis as well as an overview of data presented at the Community Preservation SuperSummits that were held across the state. Since Chapter 2 explores a community buildout in-depth, the Buildout Book is especially helpful to users who wish to view and download individual buildout maps and analyses from the website. Finally, the new Buildout Book provides a view of an intercommunity buildout and explains a buildout in a regional context.

We hope that this book and accompanying website, and the information and tools offered through Environmental Affairs, will inspire you to get involved in shaping the future of your community.

This year, in an effort to be fiscally conservative and sensitive to the environment, EOEA has decided not to print this publication. Please browse or print its pages chapter by chapter from the PDF chapter files below. (Files are large and may take some time to download. A 56K modem may take 11.6 minutes for Chapter 01, the largest of the files.)