Westerly currently does not have GIS (Geographic Information System) data at the parcel level. Although this information has been budgeted, it has yet to be funded. The inability to map the Town at this most detailed level prevents the town planner from performing a buildout analysis to predict potential population growth.

Although growth is currently stable, based on the present size of the kindergarten class, the Westerly School District is projecting large increases in enrollment. As a result, the Town recently purchased a prepared site as a potential lot for a new middle school. However, the site must first be assessed by a consultant to determine if the space will suit the needs of the school. Growth in the school system could have serious financial consequences as the school's budget is already double the size of the town's non-educational budget.