The Chamber’s Government Affairs Council held its regular monthly meeting on February 8, with members attending in person and via Zoom. At their meeting the Council continued their conversations about expanding the inventory and availability of affordable housing as a key to future economic prosperity for our region. This will be the topic for the annual Economic Outlook Breakfast set for March 1 with Cynthia Nina-Soto as keynote speaker. In other business the Council confirmed Friday, March 25 as the date for the Spring Greater Cape Ann Caucus. The February meeting also included a summary report presented by Olivia on recent community meetings that she had attended.

Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga was the special guest for the Council’s February meeting. The Mayor spoke about the proposed zoning amendments that are currently being considered by the City Council, and which are the subject of several listening sessions being hosted by ward councilors. The Mayor also talked about downtown parking management and his focus on other key city issues including the wastewater treatment plant, affordable housing and the city’s many miles of private roads.

The Government Affairs Council leads the Chamber’s focus on economic development and public policy, one of our key platforms. This Council meets on the second Tuesday 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 greater Cape Ann’s industrial, tourism, government, real estate, legal, non-profit and services sectors. To learn more or join in these meetings, please contact Ken, Olivia, Peter or me. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 8.

Bill Scott
Chair, Government Affairs Council
Scott Energy Company