(Sept. 26, 2025) This month, Nantucket hosted the Seasonal Communities Advisory Council, bringing state and local leaders together to address the housing challenges faced by seasonal communities across Massachusetts.

Attendees included Secretary of Housing Edward Augustus, Sen. Julian Cyr, Rep. Kip Diggs, former Rep. Sarah Peake of Governor Healey’s office, and local officials who continue to champion innovative solutions for the region. The Seasonal Communities initiative, launched by the Healey Driscoll Administration, brings together representatives from Cape Cod, the islands, and the Berkshires who share housing challenges tied to seasonal economies. 

Key Topics Discussed

The council reviewed draft regulations designed to help address the affordable housing crisis. These included allowing towns to approve housing specifically for essential municipal employees, creating incentives for homeowners to restrict their properties for purchase by year-round residents without imposing affordability restrictions, supporting artist housing, and other proposals with direct impact on seasonal communities. The conversation underscored a shared commitment to creative and collaborative approaches that strengthen workforce housing, preserve community character, and support long-term sustainability.

Why It Matters for Housing Nantucket
Nantucket’s participation in the Seasonal Communities Advisory Council includes the island’s unique circumstances are part of the state conversation. The issues raised, including year-round definitions, workforce housing options, and preferences for those who keep the island running, align directly with our mission to expand the parallel real estate market for Nantucket’s residents. By engaging in this forum, we can help shape state policy while advancing local strategies that protect affordability and create stability for the year-round community.