Tuesday, September 16, 2025 | BREAKOUT SESSIONS
11:00 A.M. | From Planning to Action: Practical Strategies to Improve Pond Water Quality
The Cape Cod Freshwater Strategy outlines how the region and local communities can enable action that protects and restores Cape Cod’s freshwater ponds and lakes. Participants will learn about new resources available to help promote natural protection of pond shore areas, local efforts to improve pond water quality, and how remote sensing may enable a better understanding of pond health and help guide strategy implementation.
- Angela Tanner, Landscape Architect, Jennick Studio
- Amber Unruh, Senior Project Manager, Town of Barnstable
- April Wobst, Restoration Program Manager, Association to Preserve Cape Cod
- Leif Olmanson, Research Scientist, University of Minnesota
- Tim Pasakarnis and Tara Nye Lewis, Cape Cod Commission
Room: Ocean
11:00 A.M. | Accelerating Climate Action: Projects and Progress from Across the Region
Communities across the region are making meaningful progress with climate action, including the development of local plans and implementation of projects that tackle critical adaptation, mitigation, and resiliency goals. During this session, Aladdine Joroff, Deputy Climate Chief and Director of Mitigation and Community Resilience for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, will offer perspective on state goals, initiatives, and opportunities, sharing examples of local innovation and success stories. A panel of local climate leaders from across the region will highlight ongoing municipal efforts and lessons learned along the way.
- Aladdine Joroff, Deputy Climate Chief and Director of Mitigation and Community Resilience, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Roberta Longley, Town of Eastham
- Stephanie Madsen, Town of Falmouth
- Steven Tupper, Deputy Director, Cape Cod Commission
Room: Harbor
11:00 A.M. | Implementing the Regional Housing Strategy: Incentivizing Year-Round Housing
State, local, and regional leaders are working to advance innovative programs to expand the supply of year-round housing that supports a vibrant community. Staff from the Massachusetts Executive Office for Housing and Livable Communities will discuss how the state is working to support Seasonal Communities. Leaders from Provincetown and Nantucket will share how their towns are leveraging new tools and strategies to bring housing within reach for residents. Attendees will learn about how other seasonal destinations are creating year-round housing, and how state resources, municipal initiatives, and community-led solutions can work together to advance attainable and affordable housing.
- June McCartin, Principal, Outwith Studio
- Megan Trudel, Deputy Director of Planning, Nantucket Planning & Economic Development Commission
- Kristie Ferrantella, Housing Director, Town of Nantucket
- Alex Morse, Town Manager, Town of Provincetown
- Matt Walsh, Massachusetts Office of Housing and Livable Communities
- Chloe Schaefer, Chief Planner, Cape Cod Commission
Room: Dune
11:00 A.M. | Conversation with Main Stage Speaker: Joe Minicozzi
Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in conversation with Joe Minicozzi, Principal of Urban 3, following his plenary session remarks.
- Joe Minicozzi, Principal, Urban3
- Erin Perry, Deputy Director, Cape Cod Commission
Room: Dune Middle
1:30 P.M. | Cape Cod Outdoors: Developing an Inventory of the Region’s Recreational Assets
Cape Cod is world renowned for its outdoor spaces – from beaches to ponds and parks, outdoor recreation is consistently one of the top reasons why people choose to live and visit the region. This session will explore a new project, Cape Cod Outdoors, and the work of agencies and organizations that are supporting its development. Funded by the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation and modeled after Berkshires Outside, this project will result in a tool that can be used by residents, visitors, municipal and community organizations to explore all that the region has to offer outside, bolstering recreational use and experiences, the local economy, and municipal and community-based planning.
- Laura Brennan, Assistant Director and Economic Development Program Manager, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
- Melissa Lowe, Director, Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
- Jessica Rempel, Natural Resources Analyst, Cape Cod Commission
Room: Ocean
1:30 P.M. | Investing in Regional Infrastructure: The Cape Cod Canal Bridges
What comes next as we prepare for the Cape Cod Canal Bridges? In this session, attendees will hear an update on where the project stands, major next steps, and how to stay involved in the process.
- Luisa Paiewonsky, Executive Director, Megaprojects Delivery Office, MassDOT
- Steven Tupper, Deputy Director, Cape Cod Commission
Room: Harbor
1:30 P.M. | Redevelopment and Reuse: Reimagining Historic Structures
The Regional Housing Strategy prioritizes redevelopment and reuse and preserving existing housing stock. This session will showcase how historic properties on Cape Cod are being given new life through redevelopment and adaptive reuse. Speakers will highlight recent projects, sharing the partnerships, collaborations, and creative problem-solving that made these efforts possible. Attendees will gain insight into the challenges and opportunities of reimagining historic structures and learn how thoughtful redevelopment can preserve community character while meeting contemporary needs.
- John Carey, Carey Company
- Douglas Kelleher, Principal, Epsilon Associates
- Timothy McElroy, The Columns Investment Group
- Bethany Moody, Senior Project Manager and Team Leader, ICON Architecture
- Sarah Korjeff, Historic Preservation Specialist, Cape Cod Commission
Room: Dune
1:30 P.M. | Cape Cod Regional Policy Plan: Planning for Our Future
The Cape Cod Regional Policy Plan (RPP) includes goals and objectives to guide planning and regulation for a future for Cape Cod consistent with a vision and growth policy that preserves and enhances our region’s assets. At the heart of the Plan is balancing the needs of the region’s natural, built, and community system. The Regional Policy Plan is updated regularly to ensure it addresses the current and pressing needs of the region. Attendees at this session will learn about proposed updates to the Plan and have an opportunity to provide feedback that will help shape the final 2025 RPP.
- Chloe Schaefer, Chief Planner, Cape Cod Commission
- Erin Perry, Deputy Director, Cape Cod Commission
- Heather McElroy, Natural Resources Program Manager, Cape Cod Commission
Room: Dune Middle