WHAT LIES AHEAD

Thursday, November 21, 2024
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Much progress has been made to promote and support Affordable and Attainable Housing in Orleans.  Yet, the need to continue these efforts is very real. Economic dynamics have made affordable housing a national issue, especially in seasonally desirable areas such as Cape Cod and the Lower Cape region. This forum focused on:

• The foundations Orleans has laid to address this housing crisis
• Projects and products in process
• A roadmap for what lays ahead.

There is no one magic solution to solve the affordable housing crisis – nor will one type of project fulfill Orleans’ long-term housing needs.  There are, however, new ideas, initiatives, and models for addressing the issue that are working in other cities and towns.  In addition, the State has just enacted a major piece of housing legislation that could unlock new resources and initiatives.   A multi-faceted and holistic approach is required to address the different challenges that residents, business owners, and others face.

Panelists included:

• Amanda Berbin, Director of Housing Advocacy, Community Development Partnership, addressed housing from a regional perspective, provided a quick overview of common housing terms, and let you know how you can get involved.
• Matt Cole, Chair, Orleans Affordable Housing Trust, spoke to the need for a multi-faceted solution to housing issues, what business owners and developers want and need, and where Orleans is now, how we got here, and where we need to go.
• Kristy Senatori, Executive Director, Cape Cod Commission, discussed the Commission’s regional housing implementation strategies and recommendations, and coordination with municipalities including Orleans.

Alan McClennan moderated the forum