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Building a Duxbury That Works for Everyone

The Livable Duxbury Task Force is a community-driven effort to make Duxbury a better place to live — at every age, at every stage. Powered by over 70 volunteers and thousands of community voices.

What Is Livable Duxbury?

In 2022, the Town of Duxbury joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities — a national effort to help towns become better places to grow up and grow old. From that commitment, the Livable Duxbury Task Force was born.

Shaped by more than 1,300 residents who responded to our community survey, and guided by the AARP’s eight domains of livability, Livable Duxbury is working to ensure that Duxbury remains a place where all residents can thrive — not just today, but for decades to come.

Today, 31% of Duxbury’s population is 60 or older. That number is expected to grow to 40% within the next ten years. The work we do now shapes the community we’ll all call home.

70+

Task Force Volunteers

1300+

Community Voices Surveyed

31%

Of Duxbury Residents Are 60+

Our Eight Focus Areas

The Livable Duxbury Task Force works across eight interconnected areas of community life — all identified through resident feedback and guided by the national AARP Livable Communities framework.

Housing

Housing Supporting safe, accessible, and affordable housing options so residents can age comfortably and remain connected to the community they love.

Transportation

Transportation Expanding transportation options so every resident can reach services, healthcare, and community life safely and independently.

Communication & Information

Communication & Information Strengthening how Duxbury shares news and information, and helping residents of all ages stay informed, connected, and heard.

Community & Health Services

Promoting access to health resources, mental health support, and community services that enhance well-being and quality of life.

Work & Civic Engagement

Encouraging volunteerism, employment opportunities, leadership, and meaningful participation for residents of all ages.

Respect & Social Inclusion

Building a welcoming, inclusive community where every resident — regardless of age or ability — feels valued, respected, and supported.

Social Participation

Creating opportunities for connection, belonging, and fun — because community life is richer when everyone has a seat at the table.

Outdoor Spaces & Buildings

Improving Duxbury's public spaces, parks, and buildings to be accessible, safe, and welcoming for residents of every age and ability.

What We've Accomplished

The Livable Duxbury Task Force has been hard at work since 2022. Our Phase 1 Action Plan — officially adopted by the Duxbury Select Board in July 2024 — focused on three foundational areas: Housing, Transportation, and Communication & Information.

Phase 1: Highlights

Partnered with GATRA (Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority) to expand transportation services, adding two new vehicles to serve Duxbury residents
Installed Audio Eye accessibility software on the town website, improving digital access for residents with visual impairments and disabilities
Hosted dementia awareness training for community members, local businesses, and town staff
Published a Mental Health Resource Guide connecting residents with local counseling, crisis support, and wellness services
Expanded the Social Day Program in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center of Cape Cod
Produced two seasons of Livable Duxbury programming on PACTV, bringing the initiative into living rooms across town
Completed a comprehensive Housing Survey and Production Plan to understand and address Duxbury’s housing needs

Phase 2: Building On Our Foundation

Work is now underway on Phase 2 of the Livable Duxbury plan. This phase expands our efforts into five additional domains: Community & Health Services, Outdoor Spaces & Buildings, Work & Civic Engagement, Social Participation, and Respect & Social Inclusion. New committees are forming and volunteers are welcome.

Livable Duxbury University

Knowledge that strengthens the community. Our free video series covers the topics Duxbury residents ask about most — from housing options to planning for the future.

Staging Your Home for Sale (video coming soon)

Beyond the Money: Should You Build an ADU? (video coming soon)

Recorded September 9, 2025

Designing Spaces That Work for You With Alysha Sicilano Perry

Recorded OctobEr 8, 2025

ADUs for You — Accessory Dwelling Units Explained With Buz Artiano, Build X

Recorded September 23, 2025

Making Your Home Ready for Sale With Chris Daley

Recorded October 14, 2025

Planning on Sharing Your ADU with Family? With Elder Law Attorney Alexis Levitt

Resources & Downloads

Everything you need to learn more, get involved, or connect with local services — all in one place.

Livable Duxbury Fact Sheet

A quick overview of the Task Force, our focus areas, and how to get involved.

Phase 1 Action Plan
(Adopted July 2024)

The official Age & Dementia Friendly Action Plan, adopted by the Duxbury Select Board. Covers Housing, Transportation, and Communication & Information.

Phase 2 Working Plan (In Progress)

Our working plan for the next phase of Livable Duxbury, covering five additional domains.

Alzheimer's Information Guide

A resource for families and caregivers navigating Alzheimer's disease — local contacts, support services, and guidance.

Alzheimer's Resources Guide

Additional resources compiled by the Health & Community Services committee for caregivers and families.

Duxbury Community Resource Directory

A comprehensive directory of local government services, transportation, food resources, housing, social services, and more — all in one place.

Senior Property Tax Work-Off Program

Did you know that Duxbury residents 65 and older can reduce their property tax bill by lending their skills to town departments? The Property Tax Work-Off Program lets eligible homeowners earn a $1,000 tax abatement by contributing 67 hours of service to the town — and it’s a great way to stay active and connected.

To Qualify You Must:

✓ Be 65 years old as of July 1
✓ Own and occupy your home in Duxbury as your primary residence
✓ Have lived in Massachusetts for the past five years
✓ If your property is held in a trust, submit trust documents showing you are a Trustee

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis each program year. To apply, visit the Town’s online application portal.

Questions? Contact Chris Coakley at chriscoakley@duxbury-ma.gov.

Property Tax Work-Off Program

The Town of Duxbury’s Senior Property Tax Work-Off Program lets eligible residents perform community service for the Town in exchange for an abatement on their property tax bill. It’s a great way to put your skills to work for Duxbury while reducing your tax bill.

To Qualify You Must:

✓ Be 65 years old as of July 1
✓ Own and occupy your home in Duxbury as your primary residence
✓ Have lived in Massachusetts for the past five years
✓ If your property is held in a trust, submit trust documents showing you are a Trustee

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis each program year. To apply, visit the Town’s online application portal.

Questions? Contact Chris Coakley at chriscoakley@duxbury-ma.gov.

Meet the Task Force

The Livable Duxbury Task Force is powered by dedicated community volunteers who bring expertise, energy, and deep commitment to making Duxbury a better place for all.

Kevin Mullins

Task Force Chair

Task Force Chair

Joanne Moore

Director, The Center

Director, The Center

Kathy Dowling

Housing Committee Chair

Housing Committee Chair

Tom Devine

Marketing & Communications Support

Marketing & Communications Support

Kathy Cross

Respect, Inclusion, Social Participation & Outdoor Spaces — Co-Chair

Respect, Inclusion, Social Participation & Outdoor Spaces — Co-Chair

Regan Rodrigues

Respect, Inclusion, Social Participation & Outdoor Spaces — Co-Chair

Respect, Inclusion, Social Participation & Outdoor Spaces — Co-Chair

Penny Herlihy

Transportation Committee Chair

Transportation Committee Chair

Sue Hoover

Communication & Technology Chair

Communication & Technology Chair

Peter Holden

Health & Community Services Chair

Health & Community Services Chair

Frank Holden

Work & Civic Engagement Chair

Work & Civic Engagement Chair

Get Involved

The Livable Duxbury Task Force is community-powered — and there’s room for you. Whether you can offer a few hours or a long-term commitment, your time and talents help make Duxbury a better place for everyone.

New committees are forming now for Phase 2. We’d love to hear from you.

Joanne Moore, TheCenter Director joannemoore@duxbury-ma.gov | 781-934-5774

Save for links:

Livable Duxbury: The Age & Dementia Friendly Action Plan, adopted by Duxbury Select Board on 8/5/24

Phase Two Draft

Livable Duxbury Community Contact Information — Where to find answers!

Livable Duxbury University!

Age & Dementia Friendly Task Force Resources

Duxbury Age & Dementia Friendly Survey Results (2022)

Envision Duxbury Comprehensive Plan

Halls Corner Master Plan website

Halls Corner Survey/Study (2014)

Housing Summit Meeting Presentation (PDF)

2024 Duxbury Housing Production Plan

Open Space and Recreation Plan (2014)*
*Currently working on a new one

For more information on Housing, click here.

Example of Action Plans from Other Towns’ Age & Dementia Friendly Action Plan Reports

PACTV Livable Duxbury Program

Episode One, September 2024: Joanne Moore and Kevin Mullins, Age & Dementia Friendly Task Force Chair

Episode Two, October 2024: Hosted by Kathleen Downling, with guest Dan Coughlin, chair of the Town of Duxbury’s Affordable Housing Trust

Community Conversations with the Duxbury Senior Center Director, Joanne Moore: ADUs (with AARP State Director Jen Benson)

Caregiver Resource Guides (by the Health and Community Services Domain, Phase 1)

Alzheimer’s Information Guide
Alzheimer’s Resources Guide