Barnstable County Commissioners Highlight Regional Policy, Healthy Aging, and Technology Progress
BARNSTABLE, MA (September 11, 2025) — At their September 10 meeting, the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners reviewed the Cape Cod Commission’s draft 2025 Regional Policy Plan, received an update on Healthy Aging Cape Cod’s regional coordination and upcoming initiatives, and heard a progress report on the County’s Information Technology modernization, including efficiency gains and cybersecurity work.
Cape Cod Commission Presents Updated Draft Regional Policy Plan
Executive Director Kristy Senatori, Deputy Director Erin Perry, and Chief Planner Chloe Schaefer presented the draft 2025 Regional Policy Plan (RPP), which is open for public comment through September 24, 2025. The update follows a year of hearings, focus groups, and a resident survey with more than 1,200 responses, where housing, coastal erosion, traffic congestion, and water quality emerged as top concerns. The plan retains the regional vision but sharpens the growth policy to emphasize Cape Cod’s finite resources and the balance of environmental, economic, and community resilience. The draft RPP and a public comment form are available on the Commission’s website: www.capecodcommission.org/rpp-update.
The draft includes updated goals and objectives across natural, built, and community systems, including in the issue areas of coastal resiliency, climate change, open space, and economic development. Recommended actions in the draft plan include developing a regional open space plan, advancing aquifer protection and developing a new groundwater model, creating a regional capital plan, post-disaster planning initiatives, continuing to support the Bourne and Sagamore bridge replacement, and convening a housing financing working group.
Healthy Aging Cape Cod Outlines Progress, Partnerships, and Next Steps
The Commissioners also received an update on the Healthy Aging Cape Cod (HACC) initiative. Presenters included Mandi Speakman, Deputy Director of the Department of Human Services and colleagues from HACC leadership.
Cape Cod is projected to have one of the oldest populations in Massachusetts, with residents aged 60 and older expected to make up 48 percent of the population by 2030. HACC, launched in 2017 and reinvigorated in recent years, works with more than 38 partner organizations to align services and reduce duplication so older adults can age in place successfully, regardless of income.
In the past year 56 individuals representing organizations across Cape Cod have participated regularly in HACC work groups. The coalition hosted three major trainings, including programs on supporting LGBTQ+ older adults and reframing aging to combat ageism. Work groups are currently focused on digital equity and volunteerism, with housing emerging as a new area of collaboration.
“HACC acts as a regional hub of information and connection,” said Mandi Speakman. “We are extremely grateful to have this pool of talent and experience working together as a trusted partner. Our role is not duplication, but coordination—bringing partners together to address challenges that no one town can tackle alone.”
Commissioners noted both the opportunities and challenges ahead. They pointed to the need for more affordable housing models for older adults and stressed that the region must leverage the “brain power” and professional experience of retirees to help address municipal workforce shortages.
Looking forward, HACC will convene an Age- and Dementia-Friendly Retreat later this month to shape a formal action plan, followed by a full-day AgeTech Exploratory Event in March 2026 designed to equip local advisors with tools to guide older adults in navigating technology that supports healthy living. As Speakman concluded, “We are all aging. The goal is not just a longer lifespan, but a healthier healthspan—and that requires us to work together as a community to create livable places for all ages.”
Commissioners Authorize Submission of Charter Study Question for 2026 Ballot
The Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the 2026 ballot question language regarding the creation of an elected Charter Study Commission, the final step in getting the question on the ballot. The process began with their August resolution in support of the commission. The prescribed language, drawn from Chapter 801 of the Acts of 1985, asks: “Shall a charter study commission be created to study the present governmental structure of Barnstable County to consider and make findings concerning the form of government and make recommendations thereon?” If approved by voters, the commission would undertake a comprehensive review of the County’s form of government. With this vote, the Commissioners authorized submission of the question to the Secretary of State’s Elections Division for certification.
IT Department’s Evolution, Efficiency Gains, and Next Steps
Director of Information Technology Bill Traverse reviewed the department’s evolution since 2005, highlighting its shift from fragmented systems to a regional, cloud-first model that emphasizes efficiency, shared practices, and cybersecurity. He noted that despite having fewer staff and a leaner budget than a decade ago, the department now generates five times more revenue while supporting more towns and County departments.
Traverse outlined priorities such as a regional services assessment to address supply and demand, exploring managed services to scale support, and advancing cybersecurity initiatives. He also described the department’s AI pilot programs and staff surveys, noting his participation in the state’s AI task force for government and a Digital Government Summit panel on AI. “We’re able to do more with less,” Traverse said, “and by staying ahead of the curve—not on the bleeding edge—we can keep our systems secure, efficient, and ready to support the region’s future needs.”
About Barnstable County Regional Government of Cape Cod: Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offers a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at www.capecod.gov.
