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Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | BREAKOUT SESSIONS

11:00 A.M. | Redevelopment and Reuse: Environmental Restoration and Public Spaces

As a region, it is critical to protect and restore natural resources that provide inherent benefits to the community, its residents, and visitors. Speakers will highlight examples of successful redevelopment and reuse projects incorporating the natural environment. These projects advance environmental restoration, preservation, and the creation of housing opportunities and community spaces. Attendees will learn about the collaboration and community support that makes these projects viable.

  • Kathy Williams, P.E., Town Planner, Town of Yarmouth
  • Jessica Whritenour, Executive Director, The 300 Committee
  • Jessica Rempel, Natural Resources Analyst, Cape Cod Commission

Room: Ocean

11:00 A.M. | Preparing for the Future: Coastal and Community Resiliency

Faced with a changing climate and increased pressures to protect natural resources and coastal development, resiliency to the effects of rising seas and coastal storms is more important than ever. Learn about the ResilientCoasts Initiative, a state-wide strategy for coastal resilience in the Commonwealth, and efforts from across the country to protect coastal resources while supporting and sustaining communities.

  • Carri Hulet, Facilitator, CH Consulting
  • Erin Perry, Deputy Director, Cape Cod Commission

Room: Harbor

11:00 A.M. | Building Local Economies: Creating Vibrant Communities through Placemaking and the Arts

The arts and culture sector is a key draw for many to Cape Cod and a critical part of the regional economy. Arts – public and private – can bring places alive and create unique experiences. Attendees in this session will learn about arts initiatives at the local, regional, and state-wide level that contribute to creating memorable and vibrant spaces and communities.

  • Michael Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council
  • Julie Wake, Executive Director, Arts Foundation of Cape Cod
  • Jason Weeks, Executive Director, Cambridge Arts Council
  • Chloe Schaefer, Chief Planner, Cape Cod Commission

Room: Dune

11:00 A.M. | Local Progress: Advancing Wastewater Implementation and Improving Water Quality

Significant action has been taken across Cape Cod to implement wastewater solutions and improve water quality since the update of the Area Wide Water Quality Management Plan (208 Plan Update). Continued collaboration at the local, regional, and state levels is essential to address new challenges and further enable local and regional progress. During this session, panelists will discuss considerations for further wastewater management implementation with a focus on solutions for siting and permitting.

  • Jeffrey Colby, DPW Director, Town of Yarmouth
  • Andrew Gottlieb, Executive Director, Association to Preserve Cape Cod
  • Gary Moran, Deputy Commissioner, MassDEP
  • Erin Perry, Deputy Director, Cape Cod Commission

Room: Dune Middle

2:45 P.M. | Vision Zero: Moving A Safer Future Forwards

Improving road safety and addressing traffic fatalities is a nation-wide priority. The Cape Cod Vision Zero Action Plan is the newly completed roadmap to make our region safer for all roadway users, including bicyclists, pedestrians, and other non-motorists. This session will highlight findings from the study and strategies employed across the country to improve safety. Participants will discuss opportunities to implement Vision Zero recommendations and move the region toward a safer future.

  • Aram Goshgarian, Harwich Police Department, Vision Zero Advisory Committee
  • Katherine Jansen, Falmouth Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee, Vision Zero Advisory Committee
  • Paul Tilton, Department of Public Works, Town of Sandwich
  • Dan Burden, Walkability Expert and Director of Innovation and Inspiration, Blue Zones
  • Colleen Medeiros, Transportation Program Manager, Cape Cod Commission

Room: Ocean

2:45 P.M. | Funding Decarbonization Pathways: Programs and Partnerships

Communities across the region are advancing ambitious climate goals, but moving from planning to implementation often depends on securing the right resources. This session will highlight available funding and program opportunities that support local decarbonization efforts, including energy efficiency, clean energy deployment, and electric vehicle adoption. Participants will learn about recent grant successes in the region and how new and existing programs can help accelerate local action toward a low-carbon future.

  • Cape Light Compact
  • Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
  • Steven Tupper, Deputy Director, Cape Cod Commission

Room: Harbor

2:45 P.M. | Conversation with Main Stage Speaker: Erin Barnes

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in conversation with Erin Barnes, President and CEO of Main Street America, following her plenary session remarks.

  • Erin Barnes, President and CEO, Main Street America
  • Chloe Schaefer, Chief Planner, Cape Cod Commission

Room: Dune Middle

2:45 P.M. | MOBILE WORKSHOPS