Issues That Matter to Mathews
Mathews County has many unique qualities that make it a wonderful place to live and work and it faces some significant challenges that need to be addressed.
Addressing Our County’s Declining Population
Mathews County faces a declining and aging population. Attracting more families to come to Mathews will take the work of county agencies, private partnerships, and the will of our citizens.
Over the last 20 years, the population of Mathews County has declined 6.5% while the Middlesex and Gloucester populations increased 8.5% and 12.3%. More troubling is a 37.2% decline in the county’s “family age” population (35-49 year olds) which has caused shortages in the workforce. The senior class at Mathews High School in 2021-2022 had only 61 students as compared to 111 students 10 years ago. Families have left for better work opportunities and schools that may have more diverse academic and career offerings.
Our county government officials must address these challenges and develop strategies, policies, and actions to reverse the trends.
Attracting young families and new people to Mathews will require responsible economic development, a business-friendly environment, recreational and cultural opportunities, and affordable housing particularly for teachers, first responders, and health care providers.
Providing a Quality Public School Education
Quality schools are a critical component of a thriving community and are necessary to attract and retain young families. Quality schools are those that prepare kids for a successful and productive future.
Mathews Schools should sustain their high standards while working to increase educational and career opportunities for all students.
A focus should be on retaining qualified staff and increasing school enrollment. Mathews County lost 15 teachers in the past two years; nine of whom left to teach in surrounding counties.
Families and the community should be engaged to support Mathews’ students, teachers, and schools.
Creating a Business-Friendly Environment and Increasing Tourism
Mathews is a welcoming, vibrant, and active community for residents, part-time residents, and tourists alike, and is recognized as a destination location. Tourism provides a significant financial boost to the local economy.
Tourism and water-based businesses are vital to the county’s future, and the county should support and expand available opportunities. Bringing in more money through the meals and occupancy taxes helps diversify the county’s revenue stream, which can reduce the burden on taxpayers. Direct tourism revenue sources include lodging, food and beverage, recreation, and short-term rentals.
By creating a business-friendly environment, existing businesses can be encouraged to stay and expand, while new businesses can be encouraged to relocate to Mathews County.
Expanding Public Water Access
Mathews County currently holds 72 real estate parcels, ranging in size from a small right of way to 10+ acre parcels, and including waterfront and pier parcels. Not all properties are actively managed or maintained; nor is it clear that all properties are currently providing any value for the county.
More than 99% of our local waterfront is held in private ownership with limited opportunities for public recreational access. The county should explore possibilities through consensual agreement of landowners for easements or limited use agreements for public access, boat launch, and boat trailer parking.
Managing Drainage Ditch Problems
Ditches have been a hot button issue in the county for years. One of the biggest challenges is that many drainage ditches run through private property between the road right-of-way and the water outlet.
Finding solutions is going to require innovative thinking. Mathews County needs a comprehensive and creative strategy to manage the erosion and flooding issues with ditches and drainage. The plan needs to address underutilized county resources, deferred maintenance, and critical infrastructure needs.
Preserving the Civil War Memorial
Mathews citizens overwhelmingly voted to keep the Civil War Memorial in its current location, and the will of the people must be honored. The Memorial and its surrounds should remain public property and not be conveyed to any private entity.
The Memorial should remain in its current condition and not be changed. The Memorial character should be preserved.