Demographic Change Task Force

2008 to 2010

Primary Objective

Study demographic changes in Lexington with the objective of informing "long-range community decisions and actions for the Board of Selectmen and other Town officials.

Methods

  • Interviews with Town officials (e.g. Police Chief, Superintendent of Schools, Director of Cary Library)
  • Analysis of U.S. census data, Town census data, data maintained by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and data and projections from the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission

Findings

  • Large and rapidly growing number of residents of Asian ancestry
    • 1990: about 6%
    • 2009: about 20%
  • Impact of the above on the Lexington Public Schools: about 5% of students in English Language Learner program
  • Significant under-representation of Asian residents on Town board and committees

Recommendations

  • Develop an understanding of what attracts Asian residents to Lexington
  • Develop an understanding of rates of in- and out-migration
  • Broaden participation of Asian residents on Town boards and committees
  • Study steps to increase civic participation by Asian residents in other communities in Massachusetts
  • Study steps to increase civic participation by Asian residents in other communities across the USA.

Document:

Final Report, April, 2010 (PDF)