Assembly Announces September 24 Special Hearing on Transfer Fee
Hearing is centerpiece of newly announced legislative schedule on regional housing crisis response
Barnstable, MA (September 4, 2025) — At a meeting yesterday, the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates announced that it will convene a special hearing on September 24 to consider a regional luxury real estate transfer fee as part of its ongoing work to address Cape Cod’s housing crisis.
The special hearing will provide a forum for members of the public to share comments and testimony. In addition, each delegate will have the opportunity to invite experts and community leaders from their towns to testify and answer questions from the Assembly.
“It’s been nearly six months since we declared a housing crisis and a transfer fee on luxury real estate is not a new idea on Cape Cod,” said Speaker Randi Potash. “Many of our towns have already advanced similar petitions, this hearing will bring those experiences together at the regional level so we can take the next step toward a workable solution.”
Deputy Speaker Daniel Gessen underscored the urgency of the moment. “Cape Cod is in the midst of a housing crisis that threatens the fabric of our communities. This legislative timeline is the scaffolding for the Assembly to begin confronting the depth of this crisis and moving toward solutions that match the scale of the challenge.”
Following the hearing, the subcommittee of the Assembly will begin drafting a home rule petition and ordinance for consideration by the full Assembly later this fall.
The hearing will take place at 4:00 PM on September 24, 2025, in the Mary Pat Flynn Conference Room, 3195 Main Street, Barnstable, MA 02630, with an option for hybrid participation.
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.
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