Independent · Volunteer-driven · No donors · No outside organizations · No national agendas
Landsat / Copernicus | CC BY 2.0 Pierre Markuse
Cape Cod towns make decisions every week that shape our schools, budgets, zoning, public safety, and long-term future. Most of these decisions are made in small meetings, by small boards, with very little public visibility.
Citizens of Cape Cod is the user’s manual for local government on Cape Cod — making it easier to understand who makes the decisions, how the process works, and how to participate.
DID YOU KNOW
Most Cape Cod town budgets allocate 40–60% of all spending to public schools.
You can attend any public meeting of any Cape Cod town board — no invitation needed.
Town Meeting votes on multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects often pass with fewer than 50 residents present.
A citizen petition with just 10 signatures can place a binding article on the Town Meeting warrant.
The Yarmouth sewer expansion — approved in 2023 — will cost $207 million and take decades to complete.
Barnstable is the only Cape Cod municipality that uses a Town Council instead of Open Town Meeting.
Cape Cod towns are legally required to post agendas at least 48 hours before any public meeting.
Any registered voter in Massachusetts can request public records from their town — for free.
Dennis voters approved a $246 million wastewater treatment plant in October 2024.
Local elections on Cape Cod often see turnout below 15% — your vote carries outsized weight.
📋What We Do▼
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Explain How Government Works
Every Cape town has its own structure — Select Board, School Committee, Planning Board, Finance Committee, Town Meeting. We break down who controls what, and how decisions actually get made.
Read the guide →
👥
Identify Who Represents You
Elected officials, appointed committee members, contact information, term lengths, and voting records — organized by town so you always know who’s making decisions.
Browse towns →
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Break Down Real Issues
Zoning changes, sewer projects, school budgets, public safety — summarized in plain language with sources, so you understand what’s happening before the vote.
See Yarmouth issues →
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Help You Participate
Practical tools for speaking at hearings, filing records requests, and reading budgets — plus personalized alerts that notify you before your town meets, and when bills affecting your issues hit Beacon Hill. Show up informed. Why it matters →
📰Local News & Alerts▼
Cape Cod Times
Brewster anticipates first property tax override in 15 years as budget pressures mount
Mar 4 · Town officials cite rising costs; Select Board to present override proposal at upcoming Town Meeting as fiscal challenges grow across Cape Cod
Barnstable Patriot
Town Council and school board contests shape up for Barnstable elections
Mar 4 · Candidates filing for Barnstable Town Council and school committee seats; forum planned to discuss sewer expansion project
Cape Cod Chronicle
Chatham select board opposes Pennrose funding; will not support CPC articles
Mar 4 · Select board votes against supporting town meeting request for Community Preservation Act funds for affordable housing; Brewster anticipates first override in 15 years
Cape Cod Times
Cape Cod panel OKs fee on pricey homes as way to solve housing crisis
Mar 4 · Regional housing committee advances proposal to add a surcharge on high-value home sales to fund affordable housing across the Cape
