Barnstable County commissioners on Nov. 26, 2025 authorized Ordinance 2025-13 to adopt the Cape Cod Commission's final 2025 Regional Policy Plan following a presentation by Christie Sanatori, executive director of the Cape Cod Commission.

Sanatori told commissioners the draft was approved by the Cape Cod Commission on Oct. 16 and by the assembly of delegates on Nov. 19. She said the version before the county reflects months of stakeholder input and more than 100 public comments collected during an initially 60-day public comment period that the commission extended by 30 days.

The final draft, Sanatori said, added language strengthening natural-resource protections (including ponds and biodiversity), inserted the word "finite" into the growth policy to reflect limited carrying capacity, and increased emphasis on aquifer protection planning. The plan also includes a regional open-space component, water-protection actions and housing-related recommendations.

Commissioners praised the work of commission staff. Mark moved to authorize Ordinance 2025-13; Ron seconded. A roll-call vote was recorded in the transcript excerpt: Forrest was recorded voting "aye," and Lyon was recorded voting "aye." The transcript does not list every commissioner's recorded vote in the excerpt provided.

Sanatori thanked the board and said commission staff were available to return for further questions.

What this means: Adoption as an ordinance places the county on record in support of the commission's regional plan and its recommended actions, including updated language on resource protection and planning priorities. The transcript does not specify implementation deadlines or funding allocations tied to the plan; those details would typically be handled in subsequent implementing actions or departmental work plans.

Next steps: Commissioners said they would review the document over the weekend and raise any follow-up questions at a later meeting. The draft and the recorded motion to authorize Ordinance 2025-13 were presented during the Nov. 26 session and will proceed according to the county's normal administrative processes.