Barnstable County Assembly Supports AmeriCorps Cape Cod
Delegates call on federal legislators to advocate for restoring funding
May 8, 2025 (Barnstable, MA) — The Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates has called on federal legislators to advocate for restoring AmeriCorps Cape Cod Program funding after President Trump’s Administration cancelled the program and cut all funding. Delegates voted to advance a resolution to submit a joint letter with the County Board of Commissioners supporting the program on Cape Cod and throughout the United States.
The County plans to continue the program under the name “Cape Cod Corps” for the next three months, maintaining the current members and providing necessary support. Over 70 applicants applied to participate in next year’s program.
Since its inception in 1999, AmeriCorps Cape Cod has successfully placed 580 members into roles that support disaster preparedness, environmental protection, wildfire prevention, trail maintenance, river and canal cleanups, and aquaculture initiatives aimed at removing nitrogen from waterways, among other regional needs.
“AmeriCorps Cape Cod members have had a positive impact on each Cape Cod town, and many have gone on to make Cape Cod their home,” said Mashpee Delegate Michaela Wyman-Colombo. “They are employed in critical roles, such as director of the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, Conservation Commission agents, Land Trust directors,” explained Delegate Wyman-Colombo.
“It is really, truly amazing and unfortunately far too rare when young folks are willing to commit themselves to service, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have so many here in our community,” said Assembly Deputy Speaker Daniel Gessen of Falmouth. “If the federal government isn’t willing to foster that kind of service on Cape Cod, then the regional government of Cape Cod working in collaboration with community should support it,” said Deputy Speaker Gessen.
Delegates voiced widespread support for the measure, which was passed unanimously by the members present.
The Assembly will now present the resolution to the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners for their consideration.
ABOUT THE ASSEMBLY OF DELEGATES The Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates is the legislative branch of Cape Cod Regional Government. Fifteen Delegates, one elected by each town, enact ordinances and appropriate the County’s annual operating and capital budgets.
