Should Shrewsbury Change Its Form Of Government? Here’s A Chance To Weigh In

SHREWSBURY, MA — Shrewsbury residents are being asked to weigh in on how the town’s current form of government is working.

The town’s Form of Government Study Committee has launched an outreach survey seeking feedback on Shrewsbury’s Representative Town Meeting-Town Manager-Select Board structure, including what residents think works well and what could be improved, according to the town.

The committee is reviewing whether Shrewsbury’s current government structure still serves the needs of the town, which has grown to nearly 40,000 residents. Shrewsbury had an estimated population of 39,627 as of July 1, 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The current Town Manager-Select Board-Representative Town Meeting structure was originally adopted in 1953, according to the committee’s charge. The committee is tasked with reviewing the current structure, comparing it with governance models in similarly sized communities and gathering public input.

The committee’s work may lead to recommendations for potential charter updates, according to the town. The committee is expected to present findings and recommendations to the Select Board with a focus on efficiency, representation, transparency and the town’s ability to deliver public services.

The committee is also required to hold at least five public forums and submit a final report to the Select Board no later than March 2027, according to the committee charge.

See Also:

• North Quinsigamond Avenue Complete Streets Project Finished In Shrewsbury
• Shrewsbury Residents To Weigh In On Wake Boats On Lake Quinsigamond