License Plate Grant Program funds new housing tool 

This month, the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) and the Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) launched Grow Smart Cape Cod, a mapping project that illustrates priority areas for natural resource protection and priority areas for affordable moderate-density housing development. The project was funded in 2020 by the License Plate Grant Program, which is administered by the Barnstable County Economic Development Council and the Cape Cod Commission on behalf of the Barnstable County Commissioners. 

The 2019 Cape Cod Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) identifies housing as a regional priority. This project supports the implementation of the CEDS Housing Access and Affordability Initiative, which aims to improve housing diversity and access across the region while managing impacts to natural resources.  

Staff from APCC and HAC presented the results of the project to the Barnstable County Economic Development Council during its May 11 meeting. The project provided an opportunity to bring the housing and environmental communities together. The maps are intended for use by municipal staff and boards, housing advocates, land conservation advocates, developers, and citizen participants in town meetings and other discussions.