In our most recent meeting – on March 14 – the Government Affairs Council discussed plans for the March 29 Cape Ann Caucus and the meeting’s focus topic of housing – and in particular workforce housing. The Cape Ann Caucus is a twice yearly meeting sponsored by the Government Affairs Council which convenes Council members, Cape Ann’s legislative delegation, local officials and school leaders for information sharing and dialogue on key issues of regional and statewide importance.
At the March meeting, the Council met with invited guest Jill Cahill, Gloucester Community Development Director. Ms. Cahill briefed Council members on a wide range of city planning and development initiatives, including a review and updating of key parts of the city’s zoning ordinance. The Council also heard an update on the campaign in the city of Gloucester to gather enough signatures to put the topic of a review of the city’s charter on Gloucester’s November ballot. The Council is considering hosting public informational forums on this topic later this year.
At our March meeting, members also exchanged information on current issues and developments in Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Gloucester and Rockport. Among other local updates, the Council was briefed on Manchester’s plans for safety improvements at several downtown intersections.
The Government Affairs Council leads the Chamber’s focus on economic development, one of our key platforms. This Council meets on the second Thursday of each month from 7:30 to 9 AM, and participation is open to any Chamber member with an interest in being engaged with our state and local government and helping foster a vibrant Cape Ann economy. Currently, those who are part of our monthly meetings include representatives from Cape Ann’s industrial, tourism, government, real estate, legal, non-profit and services sectors.
In future updates, we will report on these and other activities of the Government Affairs Council. To learn more or join in these meetings, please contact Ken or me. Our next meeting is on April 11 at the Chamber. Bill Scott | Chair, Government Affairs Council | Scott Energy Company
