State Economic Leaders Meet with Barnstable County Economic Development Council to Discuss Regional Priorities 

Cape Cod Commission staff and the Barnstable County Economic Development Council (BCEDC) recently welcomed newly appointed Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley and Undersecretary Ashley Stolba for a discussion on Cape Cod’s economic challenges and opportunities. The conversation brought together state and regional leaders to explore workforce needs, housing pressures, innovation, and long-term strategies for sustaining a vibrant year-round economy. 

Secretary Paley highlighted the Commonwealth’s ongoing efforts to support regional economic development through programs such as Drive and One Stop, as well as establishment of an ombudsman to help businesses navigate state government more efficiently. He noted state investments in research at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and discussed the growing role of artificial intelligence in workforce and infrastructure development, acknowledging both the potential opportunities and the fears surrounding its implementation. 

Paley emphasized the interconnectedness of Massachusetts’ regions, stating that Cape Cod’s success is tied to the success of Boston and beyond, pointing to examples such as medical advancement in Worcester and new rail connections to New Bedford. “We need to encourage entrepreneurship and show people that they can solve their own problems,” he said. 

Undersecretary Stolba reflected on her knowledge of the challenges of living on Cape Cod, noting the difficulty of accessing healthcare and finding year-round employment. She underscored the region’s continued dependence on tourism while recognizing the growing challenge of securing a reliable, full-time workforce to keep local businesses open and thriving. 

BCEDC members raised pressing concerns about the barriers to sustaining Cape Cod’s economy year-round. Chair Bert Talerman emphasized the importance of critical infrastructure in the region, urging continued investment and prioritization of the Cape Cod bridges. Greg Bilezikian noted that the region struggles to retain higher-earning, year-round workers, a demographic vital to supporting the local housing market and business base. Alisa Magnotta stressed the need for affordable housing, transportation options, and middle-wage jobs, and called for updated regulations around accessory dwelling units and short-term rentals. She also shared concerns about elder homelessness, citing the growing number of residents over 70 living without stable housing. 

Tammi Jacobsen of Cape Cod Community College described the importance of workforce development and local educational opportunities, including AI-focused employer forums and career programs in healthcare and marine industries. She also highlighted ongoing challenges around food insecurity and student housing instability. Christin Marshall of EforAll shared the success of mentorship programs connecting retirees with new entrepreneurs, while Cindy Horgan of Cape Cod Children’s Place spoke about the critical need for affordable early education and childcare, noting that workforce and teacher retention remain major obstacles. 

Secretary Paley noted that many of the challenges raised align with state-level priorities around workforce retention, innovation, and infrastructure. While the post-pandemic funding landscape has shifted, he emphasized the importance of sustainable, long-term investment and collaboration between state and local partners. 

The discussion reflected a shared commitment to support the goals of the Cape Cod Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), building a resilient and inclusive Cape Cod economy that supports entrepreneurship, addresses housing and workforce needs, and ensures the region’s communities and businesses can thrive year-round. 

The BCEDC was established to guide economic policy in a manner that will improve the quality of life for all, foster a healthy economy offering a range of employment opportunities at livable wages for year-round residents, and protect the region’s natural and built assets today and in the future. 

The BCEDC advises on the development of economic goals for the region, including the development, approval, and implementation of the Cape Cod Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), and advises the Barnstable County Commissioners on economic development grants and contracts, including but not limited to the License Plate Grant program.