After crunching some data, officials determined there will be a decline in new projects over the next few years, which could hinder the Town’s ability to grow revenue.

Members of the Finance Committee alluded to this decline back in June during Town Meeting, where they warned of “clouds on the fiscal horizon.” In an effort to keep an eye on the impending storm, the group proposed a development summit.

That proposal came to fruition on Monday night. The first “summit,” which was a joint meeting designed to explore possible avenues for financial growth in Dartmouth, included about 20 officials. Members of the Select Board, the Finance Committee, the Planning Board, Town Administrator David Cressman, Town Planner John Hansen and Finance Director Gregory Barnes were present to brainstorm solutions.

The night started on a positive note with some highlights from the Town’s past successes over the last five years, particularly new non-residential growth such as the solar initiative and medical facilities.

“The Town has had surpluses because we’ve developed good financial policies. The Town has not been having layoffs. Budgets have been passing without a lot of stress. Things have been relatively good over the last five years,” said Town Administrator David Cressman. “But, at the same time, if we’re to be responsible in terms of fiscal planning, we have to look at the future.”

Town officials estimate that new growth over the next three years will decline. Projected new growth in fiscal year 2016 is estimated at $996,354. But that estimate drops sharply in the next two fiscal years, with $494,144 estimated for fiscal year 2017 and $292,437 for 2018, though Barnes said the 2018 projection will likely be higher.

“The major reason why there’s a drop is that we don’t see anything on the horizon in terms of commercial and industrial development,” said Cressman.

He warned that he’s experienced three fiscal downturns while working in Massachusetts and has seen a trend whereby State government will react to fiscal problems by cutting local spending first.

“The State isn’t going to be riding in to help Dartmouth over the next five years. We’re on our own,” he said.

Compounding the problem are national trends, such as the rise of Amazon, which has caused a decline in the development of new brick-and-mortar retail businesses. Cressman said it’s unlikely that Dartmouth will see new box stores coming in anytime soon. He said retail development may also decline overall.

A variety of ideas were brought forth to the group throughout the 80-minute summit. Shawn McDonald, Chair of the Select Board, suggested the town might be able to find a way to capitalize on its agricultural industry. He said growth in Padanaram could factor into Dartmouth’s future growth, too.

Planning Board member Lorri-Ann Miller noted that projects like the Burgo Basketball facility could draw parents to the area interested in frequenting local shops.

“We still have a structural problem in this town,” said Select Board member Frank Gracie. “Our expenses rise, percentage wise, higher every year than our revenue does. What we need, if we’re going to solve this problem with revenue, is something that’s going to grow every year.”

“Maybe we should re-zone Route 6,” said Select Board member Stanley Mickelson. “We need to attract smart developers. We have the land. We have the resources.”

David Tatelbaum, Chair of the Finance Committee, proposed an idea that gained traction with the group: form two sub-committees to investigate two ideas. One would look at reusing retail buildings and the other would reach out to UMass Dartmouth to see how the Town could work with the school, possibly for student housing.

“It could be an interesting way to reuse facilities in town: convert it to student housing,” said Tatelbaum. “Whether that’s even viable or possible — that’s what the committees are for.”

The two sub-committees will have members from the Select Board, the Finance Committee and the Planning Board. Volunteers from the public will be invited to take part in the sub-committees.

The Town’s website is extending the offer to two people for each sub-committee. Letters of interest can be sent to the Select Board.