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TO: Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Senate President Karen Spilka, Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano, the Cape Cod and Islands Legislative Delegation, MA Attorney General Andrea Campbell, U.S. Senator Ed Markey, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, Congressman William Keating, the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates, the Barnstable County Commissioners, the Cape Cod and Islands Selectmen & Councilors’  Association, the Barnstable Town Council, All 14 Cape Cod Town Select Boards (Falmouth to Provincetown), the Cape Cod Commission, and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, 

Cape Codders are suffering!

We, the undersigned, urgently demand relevant concrete action to address the affordable housing crisis on Cape Cod.

• 75% of Cape Cod's workforce cannot afford a median-priced home (Source: Cape Cod Commission)
• 50% of seniors are forced to choose between housing and healthcare (Source: AARP)
• 70% of young professionals are leaving the Cape due to unaffordable housing (Source: Cape Cod Young Professionals)

We call upon our elected and appointed leaders to:

• Offer tax breaks for affordable unit development (50% property tax exemption for 10 years)
• Fast-track permits for innovative projects (tiny home villages, community land trusts)
• Repurpose underutilized buildings (at least 50% for affordable housing)
• Double funding for the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Trust Fund ($10 million increase)

Moreover, by October 15, 2024, we ask  that  one or more of the named leaders respond and begin the process requested. 

It must be particularly noted that the Cape Cod affordable housing crisis has been especially exacerbated by the inaction of the Barnstable County Commissioners. Moreover, the utter lack of leadership and indifference shown by the Barnstable County Commissioners is unacceptable and has contributed to the severity of this crisis.

As recently publicly called for by Cape Cod activist, Ronald Beaty, let us join forces to make affordable housing a reality, empowering our community to thrive once more. We owe it to ourselves, our neighbors, and future generations to act now.

The time for change is now. Let us rise to the challenge and create a better Cape Cod for all.